6 ways to improve quantity takeoffs

The problem with quantity takeoffs today

Traditional 2D takeoff continues to be a leading method for estimating quantities on projects, but it can be very time-consuming with scale rules, highlighter pens and spreadsheets. Paired with the rise of projects needing to be completed using Building Information Modelling (BIM), estimators and quantity surveyors end up using a number of different software solutions. As a result, the disconnected nature of 2D & 3D takeoffs can become a challenge.

Autodesk recently released its Construction Outlook report which highlights that schedules on bidding in particular, are getting tighter & tighter as we look at the data coming in from the field. In addition to this challenge, competition continues to increase in this space as more and more people are bidding on the same projects.

The covid-19 pandemic has also highlighted the challenge that individuals face when they are not working in the same location. People need to collaborate with different people in different disciplines of an organisation, which is not always as straight forward as we’d like it to be.

How can quantity takeoffs be improved?

So how do we get around these challenges? Let’s look at some of the elements you can gradually start to implement on a project-by-project basis…

Increased collaboration – ability to increase collaboration with other estimators and team members.

Single source of truth - Rework caused by poor project data costs the industry approximately 280 billion dollars annually. By working off one single source of truth, teams can reduce errors by not working off correct, updated information.

Connected 2D & 3D - 2D drawings are derived from 3D models with connected data, allowing estimators and quantity surveyors to better understand how components are installed and identify potential clashes before problems arise out on-site.

Improved data accuracy – teams can better plan & forecast their projects

Standardisation – by standardising on one platform, teams are able to function more efficiently. There’s no learning curves between projects and company standards are always met. BIM is becoming more frequent in estimation workflows and the ability to connect 2D & 3D quantifications together in a single platform helps with this.

Digitisation – there are still a lot of workflows which occur at pen & paper level in the construction industry today, so the more we can bring that information into the digital age, and have it available for collaboration, the better you can perform on your projects.

How do you achieve this?

Introducing Autodesk Takeoff

Autodesk Takeoff, part of the Autodesk Construction Cloud unified platform, allows estimators to produce & perform more accurate 2D takeoffs and generate automated quantities from 3d models within a single takeoff solution.

Autodesk Takeoff sits nicely between Autodesk BIM Collaborate & Autodesk Build in the pre-construction space covering 2D & 3D takeoff and scope analysis. 

Explore the full range of products available in the Autodesk Construction Cloud unified platform here.

See Autodesk Takeoff in action

In this short video, our Construction Application Specialist Callum Rudge introduces the Autodesk Takeoff interface and walks through how to make a package.

https://youtu.be/EjG5KWbNyBw

For more information on Autodesk Takeoff and to see a full product demo, watch our on-demand webinar recording.

VIEW FULL DEMO

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To keep up to date with the latest advancements to the Autodesk Construction Cloud or the Construction industry, please get in touch with us. Alternatively, join our bi-weekly webinar sessions #WorkSmarterWednesdays.

 

Autodesk Revit 2022 – New Structural Features

The structural tools continue to build on the core functionality of reinforced concrete modelling and steel fabrication modelling in the Autodesk Revit 2022 release. In this article let us start by looking at five of the key features and tools relating to steel modelling.

Ranges of applicability

When modelling steel connections, there is a desire to try and standardise as much as possible to reduce the complexity and cost of steel detailing and manufacture. The simple way to achieve this is to use the connections outlined in the SCI Green Book. You can now create standard libraries of each connection type and then set ranges of applicability. For example, you may have a partial depth end plate connection with 6 bolts and a shear resistance of 600kN. This connection could be used with several different section types and sizes and placed automatically with the use of Dynamo player.

3D Grids

This is a much-appreciated feature that has been requested for several years and although strictly regarded as a platform tool, you can now display and edit grids within the 3D view. The 3D grids have very similar functionality to the 3D levels that were incorporated into Autodesk Revit a few years ago and is particularly useful when you wish to change the vertical extents of curved and skewed grids.

Move Rebar in a Set

When adding reinforcement bar to elements, it is a very common process to utilise rebar sets to create ranges of rebar. However, sometimes the rebar sets can clash with other bars or perhaps obscure a structural opening. With Autodesk Revit 2022, we can now remove unwanted bars from the rebar set, move or rotate bars to create clash free, detailed 3D models. This functionality supports the use of 3D views to convey complex reinforcement arrangements and the exact placement of bars.

Two-Point Rebar Placement

The default behaviour when modelling links or adding shapes to concrete elements is that the bar will expand and snap to the cover. This is normally very useful and what we would expect. However, there are situations where you want to control the extent of the rebar which can now be done using the new two-point placement method. This is very useful for placing multiple links in wide beams and very handy for U-Bars. In the example shown below, I am placing a U-Bar into the model using the new two-point method.

Real Rebar Diameters

When modelling rebars, the default method is to use the nominal rebar diameters which are smaller that the actual diameters. For example, a H16 bar has a nominal diameter of 16mm but a real diameter of 19mm. Whilst a few millimetres probably wont matter too much, when working with larger diameter bars with multiple layers and large amounts of steel this could cause coordination issues.

Summary

Whilst I have only had the chance to showcase a few of the structural features in this blog, the overall functionality of Autodesk Revit 2022 is very impressive. The platform tools are very strong this year and solve many onerous workarounds that have inevitably evolved over the years. Some of my notable favourites are phasing, revisions, 3D grids and PDF Exports.

We have created a video review that looks at the new Autodesk Revit 2022 features in more details and can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mUSw9QAFts&feature=youtu.be

If you would like to learn more about Autodesk Revit, please visit our webpage: https://www.symetri.co.uk/products/revit or contact us at info@symetri.co.uk.sk