Adapt or Die! Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Abstract

Purpose: The emergence of Building Information Modelling (BIM) demands that quantity surveyors review their roles in the construction sector. This study examines the responsiveness of the quantity surveying discipline to BIM. Design/methodology/approach: A sample of quantity surveyors in Durban will be surveyed using an instrument developed from published literature on responses of quantity surveying to BIM. Research limitations: The sample of quantity surveyors was drawn from the Durban area using the Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS) and South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Professions (SACQSP) database. Findings: Preliminary findings suggest that quantity surveyors’ knowledge about BIM, software and innovation was at best rather average. They recognized the most obvious benefits of embracing BIM such as the time taken to produce Bills of Quantities and accurate cost estimation. Largely because of their lack of knowledge of available technologies they could not comment assertively on many of the issues surrounding the relationship between BIM and quantity surveying. This further resonates with the uncertainty that exists surrounding BIM and its business value and return on investment. They disagreed that technological advancements presented threats to their existence or the services that they traditionally offered. In the main the findings of the study resonated with those of other studies done particular in developing countries. Response to conference theme: This study identifies the reasons why BIM is not being readily embraced by quantity surveyors more pervasively. Practical implications: The findings provide the opportunity to improve the services currently offered by quantity surveyors but also new and innovative services driven by BIM