SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN
BACHELOR OF QUANTITY SURVEYING (HONOURS)
SOFTWARE APPLICATION FOR QUANTITY SURVEYING
(CSC 60603)
COMPARISON BETWEEN MANUAL MEASUREMENT, REVIT
AND GLODON
GROUP MEMBERS
YONG MAY SIA 0327724
WONG WEN NEE 0327653
YAP YUEN THONG 0326557
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Software Application for Quantity Surveying
TABLE OF CONTENT
1.0 Introduction 4
2.0 Revit
2.1 Type of Revit Software
2.1.1 Autodesk Revit 5
2.1.2 Revit Architecture 5
2.1.3 Revit Structure 5
2.2 Advantages / Function of Revit
2.2.1 Preview the Building in 3D BIM Modeling 6
2.2.2 Quick Changes to Design and No Repetitive Tasks 6
2.2.3 Vast Library of Parametric Building Components 6
2.2.4 High Level of Flexibility 6
2.3 Limitations of Revit
2.3.1 Difficult Perspective Editing and Viewing 7
2.3.2 Auto Changes and Deletions 7
2.3.3 Time Consuming 7
2.3.4 Large memory required 7
3.0 Glodon 8
3.1 Type of Glodon Software
3.1.1 Glodon Takeoff for Rebar (TRB) 8
3.1.2 Glodon for Architecture and Structure (TAS) 9
3.2 Limitations of Glodon
3.2.1 High Installation Cost of the Software 9
3.2.2 Newly Introduced in the Industry 9
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Software Application for Quantity Surveying
4.0 Comparison of Manual Measurement, Glodon and Revit
4.1 Substructure
4.1.1 Pad Footing 10
4.1.2 Column Stump 10
4.1.3 Ground Beam 11
4.1.4 Ground Slab 11
4.2 Frame
4.2.1 Beam 12
4.2.2 Column 12
4.3 Upper Floors
4.3.1 Slab 13
4.4 Roof 13
4.5 Wall 14
4.6 Finishes
4.6.1 Wall Finishes 14
4.6.2 Floor Finishes 15
4.6.3 Ceiling Finishes 15
5.0 Conclusion
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Software Application for Quantity Surveying
1.0 INTRODUCTION
In this day and age, quantity surveyors are required to make bills of quantities and whole life
costing in a fast and accurate method in construction industry, therefore software are introduced.
By using software, it is advantageous for quantity surveyor to be more efficient in cost
estimation from estimating. Software helps quantity surveyor to speed up the estimating work.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology has taken the construction industry by storm
globally during these recent years. BIM is a process that allows members of the project team to
collaborate to create 3D database with help of information from Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
models representing the design. In the industry, there are various types of BIM software, such as
CostX, Bently, Buildsoft, Vico Software, Glodon and so forth are used to carry out cost
estimation. While BIM tools such as Revit are technically a 2D or 3D CAD modelling program
developed by Autodesk. Revit is widely used to create BIM models. These BIM models are
different from CAD drawings that may be 2D or even 3D.
This report is produced to examine and valuate the application of computer software for the
preparation of bills of quantities. There are two types of software are identified and assessed
which are Autodesk Revit and Glodon. The benefits and drawbacks of software are described.
Besides, an analysis of the quantity’s differences between manual measurement, Autodesk Revit
and Glodon.
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Software Application for Quantity Surveying
2.0 REVIT
2.1 Type of Revit Software
2.1.1 Autodesk Revit
Revit is a popular Building Information Modelling (BIM)
Software that is proprietary to Autodesk. The environment is
3D based and allows for the creation of 2D drawings extracted
from the 3D Modelling. Each component within the model has information associated with it
such as the material, quantity and other classification types. Revit is primarily divided into three
categories which are Architecture, Structure and Mechanical Electrical Plumbing (MEP).
2.1.2 Revit Architecture
Revit Architecture is a useful architectural design and documentation software application
created by Autodesk. The tools and features that make up Revit Architecture are specifically
designed to support building information modelling (BIM) workflows. Autodesk Revit
Architecture is used by architects and other building professionals to help reduce risk, obtain
insight into how buildings will perform before construction begins, develop better quality
designs, and improve project delivery.
2.1.3 Revit Structure
Revit Structure is an Autodesk's product which caters to BIM and can be used by structural
engineers and other engineering firms. It can be used to create a workflow by the way
architectural designs, structural engineering and final documentation using the same project
database. Complex structural models can be created and then take them to any analysis software
for structural analysis and design.
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Software Application for Quantity Surveying
2.2 Advantages / Function of Revit
2.2.1 Preview the Building in 3D BIM Modelling
Revit Parametric modelling is an essential tool for conceptual design. With Revit software, a rough
layout of the floor plan can be sketch quickly, or make changes to the standard set of building
designs and instantly let their clients preview their future homes or building. 3D design views give
designers to try out different design ideas and guide their design decisions at early stage.
2.2.2 Quick Changes to Design and No Repetitive Tasks
During the design phase, the building structure and floor plans needed to be modified frequently.
Revit allows designing and drafting process becomes very fast and accurate. In Revit architecture
model, all building components such as plans, sections, and elevations are intelligently connected
to each another. Whenever a change is made to the model, the software automatically updates
every related component, affecting the whole building model. Thus, it cuts down on the amount
of repetition that have to go through when designing the model.
2.2.3 Vast Library of Parametric Building Components
BIM software comes with a full set of parametric building design components for each component
that create in the Revit. This means that the elements are 3D, but can modify the associated 2D
planes to change the 3D model. It also provides quick changes to the existing components. It stores
the newly created or customized parametric objects to be reused in other projects. While designing
a new project, stored parametric building objects can be used as a quick reference to the
prospective clients.
2.2.4 High Level of Flexibility
Unlike AutoCAD, Revit allows all project data to be stored in single project file. It allows multiple
users to work on the same project file and merge their changes with every save. Besides, Revit
exports and imports DWG, DXF, DGN, PDF, JPEG files.
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Software Application for Quantity Surveying
2.3 Limitations of Revit
2.3.1 Difficult Perspective Editing and Viewing
Revit has a default isometric perspective, which can make it hard to see the planes that it does
not show at specific angles or building interiors from a different perspective. Thus, it will be
difficult to edit from the perspective.
2.3.2 Auto Changes and Deletions
Some elements of the model can be automatically change or delete which will caused the project
changes without notifying the user.
2.3.3 Time consuming
It is time consuming as the software has a lot of features and tools which requires a person who
is familiar with the software. Furthermore, the rendering and viewing may cause issues as it
requires a longer period to process.
2.3.4 Large memory required
The user has to free up most of the space in order to install large memory files into their
computers.
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Software Application for Quantity Surveying
3.0 GLODON
Cubicost, initially called Glodon is one of the few types of
software available in the market that is capable of using Building
Information Modelling (BIM) for taking off used by quantity surveyors.
It is one of the leading providers of construction IT software and solutions in China and it is
based in Beijing, China in 1998 year. It is the leader of the information industry in Chinese
construction field which offers the construction project field most valuable information products
and professional services to promote the development of information in the construction
industry. Glodon owns independent intellectual property rights on its main products and
technologies, and establishes an effective research and development management system.
Glodon products are widely used in such three major sectors as civil building, industrial
engineering and infrastructure. Besides, Glodon Software Company Limited provides a few main
products that are widely used by the Quantity Surveyors. The few main products of Glodon are
Glodon Takeoff for Rebar (TRB), Glodon Takeoff for Mechanical and Electrical (TME) and
Glodon for Architecture and Structure (TAS)
3.1 Types of Glodon Software
3.1.1 Glodon Takeoff for Rebar (TRB)
Glodon Takeoff for Rebar known as TRB is a suite of quantity calculation
software based on the Building Information Modelling (BIM) Technology.
It is a suite of quantity calculation software based on the BIM technology,
which is embedded with groundbreaking 3D measurement and calculation
rules. It enables the users to perform quantity taking-off from electronic drawings and images
with immediate 3D visualization effect and shows accurate results for each component in real
time. There shall be less data and formulae input by the user are needed in calculation of the
quantity. Thus, the accuracy level of the result is higher with minimal undesirable careless
mistakes. The software provides a series of quantities processing methods and functions which
address quantity surveying tasks in various stages of construction such as construction cost
estimating, value engineering, project tendering, tender bidding, project post contract
administration and final account quantity re-measurement.
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Software Application for Quantity Surveying
3.1.2 Glodon for Architecture and Structure (TAS)
Glodon Takeoff for Architecture and Structure (TAS) is a suite of quantity
calculation software based on the Building Information Modelling (BIM)
technology. It embedded with ground breaking 3-dimensional measurement and
calculation rules. Electronic drawings or images with immediate 3D
visualization effect will assist the user to perform quantity taking-off. Hence,
less data and formulae input by the user is needed in calculation of the quantities which will
minimize the errors and mistakes. Moreover, direct import of IFC, DWG and PDF drawings can
be supported in order to build the 3D models efficiently. When variations occur, model
information will be adjusted and performing calculation again. On the other hand, TAS also
provides many types of report formats and support exporting files from other software like
Excel. It also supports the data sharing with other Glodon software like TRB, TBQ so that tender
documents are able to produce more efficiently.
3.2 Limitations of Glodon
3.2.1 High Installation Cost of the Software
Cost License of Glodon software is costly thus there are only small number of QS firms afford to
install Glodon in their companies. Smaller QS firms are incapable of affording such expensive
software to be installed in their computers. Hence, they will prefer to do manual take off or using
more affordable software such as CostX and Vico as they are more affordable.
3.2.2 Newly introduced in the industry
There are limited numbers of experts working in the field who are familiar with the software
since Glodon considered as one of the new software. Training for the workers are required to
ensure the workers are familiar with the functions to make good use of the software.
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Software Application for Quantity Surveying
4.0 COMPARISON OF MANUAL MEASUREMENT, GLODON
AND REVIT
4.1 Substructure
4.1.1 Pad Footing
MANUAL GLODON REVIT
MEASUREMENT
Concrete 21 m³ 11 m³ 11 m³
Formwork to sides 132 m On the table below -
Reinforcement 896 kg On the table below -
The concrete volume in Manual Measurement is more than the amount in Glodon and Revit.
This is because in the assignment, we have a total of 19 pad footings. However, in the Glodon
and Revit, the calculated amount of pad footing is 20 and 14 respectively. Thus, there is a
difference in the quantities. Although the amount of concrete volume is the same in Glodon and
Revit but it is because the type of pad footing calculated are different for some of them. The
formwork to sides of pad footing and the reinforcement can only be obtained from the Manual
Measurement and Glodon.
The formwork quantities that extracted from Glodon is in details where it would state the sides
of the formwork length in stages for each footing. This would actually increase the accuracy in
cost management where specific rates of specific stages can be estimated.
Whereas, Revit does not have a simple solution to calculate formwork areas. The solution to
schedule the formwork areas of each insitu elements was to use Dynamo. Dynamo is a visual
programming tool that works with Revit where it extends the power of Revit by providing
access to the Revit API (Application Programming Interface) in a more accessible manner.
Rather than typing code, with Dynamo you create programs by
manipulating graphic elements called “nodes”. It’s an approach
to programming better suited for visually oriented types, like
architects, designers, and engineers. The example of the
formwork areas is attached below.
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Software Application for Quantity Surveying
Then we have to create a custom node that split the surface based on the vector direction Z value
relative to the surface. The result, the top, bottom and side area values are filtered to each.
However, in this assignment situation, we didn’t learn how
to extract formwork data by suing Dynamo in in class.
Thus, we couldn’t extract the data of formwork from Revit.
Moreover, in this assignment, we are not assign to place any reinforcement in Revit and Glodon
and extract the reinforcement quantities. Thus, we didn’t do any comparison with the quantity in
the Manual Measurement and both software.
4.1.2 Column Stump
MANUAL GLODON REVIT
MEASUREMENT
Concrete 2 m³ 2 m³ 3 m³
Formwork to sides 29 m² - -
Reinforcement 483 kg - -
For column stump, the amount of concrete in Manual Measurement and Glodon is the same but
has a slight difference in Revit. This could be caused by human error or calculation method.
However, the quantity of formwork to sides of column stump and reinforcement of column
stump is also obtainable from Manual Measurement and Glodon whereas unobtainable
from Revit, similar to the pad footing. In Glodon, the formwork of each column stump are
measure separately which would actually give an overview of overall column stump where
when error is found, quantities could be easily identify and make adjustment accordingly.
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Software Application for Quantity Surveying
4.1.3 Ground Beam
MANUAL GLODON REVIT
MEASUREMENT
Concrete 11 m³ 9 m³ 8 m³
Formwork to sides 231 m 106 m² -
Reinforcement 995 kg 1401 kg -
The concrete volume for ground beam is 11 m³ from Manual Measurement whereas it is 9 m³ in
Glodon and 8 m³ in Revit. The Glodon and Revit only have a slight difference as compared to
Manual Measurement. This may be due to calculation method. The formwork to sides of the
ground beam in Manual Measurement is 231 m, however it is 106m2 in Glodon. From this, it can
be seen to have the different unit which will cause to have the difference in quantities. The
ground beam reinforcement has a greater difference in quantities of 406 kg in Manual
Measurement and Glodon. This is because in Glodon we did not do the reinforcement calculation
where the value provided in this may be from auto-generation from the software.
In Glodon, we place the beam from axis to axis, which mean the
quantity of the intersection beam will be divide in half.
However, in Revit, it beam length will be based on which beam you place first. Moreover, in
Manual Measurement, normally it is calculated from horizontal beam first then vertical beam. On
the other words, the quantity intersection of beam is based on which beam is calculated and
placed first for Revit and Manual Measurement. From the aforementioned differences of each
software and manual calculation, this would affect the quantity of formwork too.
Second, the communication between the members place an important roles too in comparison. In
Manual Measurement, communication with the member who do column and beam are required
as they need to decide beam need to allow deduction for column and column need to calculate
from ground floor level to first floor. Whereas, in Glodon, the beam is auto deducted for column
to be placed in between of beam. For Revit, the deduction of a column intersected with the slab is
handled confusedly in Revit
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Software Application for Quantity Surveying
4.1.4 Ground Slab
MANUAL GLODON REVIT
MEASUREMENT
Concrete 28 m³ 21 m³ 18 m³
Formwork to sides 34 m 5m -
Reinforcement 181 m² 1066 kg -
For the ground slab, the concrete volume has differences for every calculation. The difference
between Manual Measurement, and Glodon and Revit have a greater difference as in Manual
Measurement, the ground slab includes the slab for patio, terrace and driveway which is not
included in both software. In the Manual Measurement, the formwork to sides of ground slab is
for the patio, terrace, driveway and also for drops. However, for Glodon and Revit, as we did not
calculate for the slab mentioned but there is a quantity for Glodon as it has auto-calculated the
formwork to sides of the slab drawn. As for the reinforcement, the quantity obtained from the
manual measurement is in square meter as it is using fabric reinforcement, whereas the
reinforcement in Glodon is in Kg. Therefore, the quantity using Manual Measurement and
Glodon would be different.
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Software Application for Quantity Surveying
4.2 Frame
4.2.1 Beam
MANUAL GLODON REVIT
MEASUREMENT
Concrete 17 m³ 18 m³ 13 m³
Formwork to sides 273 m² 287 m² -
and soffits
Reinforcement 2580 kg 2712 kg -
The concrete quantity using the three methods have differences. This could be due to the
calculation method. For example, using Manual Measurement, we would calculate the beam
where we have to add and deduct the intersection of beam which requires good communication
between the group members. However, using Glodon, the beam is drawn from half of the beam
until half of the other beam or column.
This way, the area of intersection is divided to half to each beam. Whereas, in Revit, there is no
specific direction or way of drawing the beam. The formwork for beam has a slight difference in
quantity for Manual Measurement and Glodon. The reinforcement also will be different as we
did not calculate the reinforcement in Glodon.
Also, the calculation for ground floor beam and first floor beam is different from software
and manual. In Manual Measurement, ground floor beam are not require to deduct slab
thickness, however, in first floor beam are required to deduct slab thickness.
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Software Application for Quantity Surveying
But in Glodon, beam are deducted half only as the slab is
placed in the middle of beam to another half of the beam.
4.2.2 Column
MANUAL GLODON REVIT
MEASUREMENT
Concrete 7 m³ 7 m³ 7 m³
Formwork to sides 146 m² 127 m² -
Reinforcement 692 kg 1051 kg -
For column, the concrete volume for all three methods of measurement have the same quantity.
However, for formwork to sides of column have different quantities in Manual Measurement and
Glodon. The error of calculation of column may also the same as ground beam as Glodon has auto
deduction for each intersected element, Revit has confuse intersection deduction and Manual
requires good communication with members to identify which members to make deduction first
and knowledge on measurement.
In Manual Measurement, beam is deducted to allow
column to place in between of beam, however, the
column in Glodon is placed on top of beam.
The reinforcement in column has a tremendous difference as we did not calculate for Glodon,
where it could be assumed to have this amount of reinforcement in the column for Glodon.
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Software Application for Quantity Surveying
4.3 Upper Floors
4.3.1 Slab
MANUAL GLODON REVIT
MEASUREMENT
Concrete 27 m³ 21 m³ 24 m³
Formwork to soffit 162 m² 133 m² -
Formwork to sides 114 m 9m -
Reinforcement 539 kg 1031 kg -
BRC 272 m² - -
For slab, we calculated the whole area which is inclusive of the beams in Manual Measurement
and Revit. Whereas in Glodon, it is drawn by just simply clicking it and it will automatically fill
in the area. However, the area that is drawn in Glodon would be from half of the beam to half of
the beam. Therefore, this will bring different quantities in the calculation between Glodon and
Manual Measurement. The quantity difference in Manual Measurement and Revit is caused as in
Manual Measurement, we have calculated for the coping where we did not calculate in Revit. As
the calculated area is different using Manual Measurement and Glodon, thus the area for the
formwork to soffit of suspended slab will also be different. Other than that, the formwork to
sides of slab in Manual Measurement is inclusive of the coping and the drops whereas in Glodon,
it will automatically calculate the formwork for the sides of the slab.
4.4 Roof
MANUAL GLODON REVIT
MEASUREMENT
Area 223 m² 227 m² 182 m²
For the roof, the area for the Manual Measurement and Glodon are similar but as for Revit, the
quantity is different as the roof shape is different from the actual roof shape in the project. As it
is difficult to draw in Revit, therefore we have simplified the roof. Besides, in the actual plan, we
also have flat roof which was not included in the Revit drawing.
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Software Application for Quantity Surveying
4.5 Wall
MANUAL GLODON REVIT
MEASUREMENT
230mm thick 88 m² 63 m² 123 m²
brickwall
115mm thick 347 m² 358 m² 579 m²
brickwall
Stiffener 1 m³ 1 m³ -
For 230mm brick wall, the quantity for Manual Measurement and Revit is inclusive of the party
wall which is not included in Glodon where it will cause differences in quantities. Besides, the
quantity in Manual Measurement have deducted the amount for lintel, while in Revit, the size of
lintel is not deducted which also will contribute to the difference in quantities. Glodon and
Manual Measurement have a slight difference for 115mm thick brick wall. However, in Revit, it
has a large difference as it also does not deduct the size of the lintel. For stiffener, the Manual
Measurement and Glodon have the same quantity but for Revit, the stiffener was not calculated.
Another reason that the quantities may be affected is due to the structural and architectural axis
grid line is different. In Glodon, we are require to place wall on architectural axis grid line but
beam on structural grid line. As structural and architectural grid line are different, the wall does
not sit on top of the beam, where auto deduction on this situation do not happened. Thus, we
have to manually adjust the wall to let it sit on top of beam where auto deduction could happen
but in between of the adjustment, there might be human error in placing the wall which would
affect the quantities.
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Software Application for Quantity Surveying
4.6 Finishes
4.6.1 Wall Finishes
MANUAL GLODON REVIT
MEASUREMENT
Plaster and Paint 863 m² 727 m²
702 m²
Ceramic tiles 152 m² 121 m²
There is a difference in quantities for plaster and paint using Manual Measurement and Glodon
as in Manual Measurement, we have included the finishes for window hood, sill and fin, whereas
in Glodon, we did not include it. Besides, for ceramic tiles, there can be seen to be a difference in
the area. This may be due to the human error or miscalculation. As for Revit, the finishes are not
specified, thus we could not get the total area for each finishes. The figure above is the addition
of the brickwall. The finishes for Manual Measurement and Glodon have added the finishes to
column which are protruding from the wall but it is not calculated in Revit. Other than that, there
is a miscalculation in the Manual Measurement where the skirting area is not deducted, where in
Glodon it will auto-deduct.
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Software Application for Quantity Surveying
4.6.2 Floor Finishes
MANUAL GLODON REVIT
MEASUREMENT
Ceramic tiles 43 m² 42 m² -
Porcelain tiles 83 m² 87 m² -
Parquet 101 m² 100 m² -
Skirting 116 m 126 m -
For the floor finishes, there only a slight difference for all the type of finishes between Manual
Measurement and Glodon. The way calculated for all the finishes are based on the room area.
The differences in the Manual Measurement and Glodon is because in Glodon, the area under the
door is not calculated unlike in Manual Measurement. In Revit, it does not provide the actual
quantities of the floor finishes as the finishes are included with the slab.
4.6.3 Ceiling Finishes
MANUAL GLODON REVIT
MEASUREMENT
Skim Coat Plaster 119 m² 129 m² -
Moisture Resistant 23 m² 26 m² -
Ceiling Board
Ceiling Board 111 m² 106 m² -
There is also not a huge difference of quantity between the Manual Measurement and Glodon for
ceiling finishes. They way of calculation for ceiling finishes using Manual Measurement and
Glodon is the same as floor finishes. The differences between the both quantities could be
because of human error or miscalculation. Besides, similar to floor finishes, the quantities for
Revit is not provided. Thus, we could not make the comparison for Revit.
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Software Application for Quantity Surveying
5.0 Conclusion
In summary, REVIT is one of the well-known BIM software, which is manly applied to building
design, construction plan and so on. People can get quantities with the BOM (Bill of Material)
function in Revit, but the quantities are not precise because the calculation function of Revit is
weak. One of the weaknesses of Revit is the weaken deduction function.
For instance, the deduction of a column intersected with the slab is handled confusedly in Revit.
However, in Glodon, it handle the intersection of the element correctly. The overlapping or
intersection are deduct accordingly based on the setting and correct calculation like manual
calculation.
So in this situation, the quantities in Revit may be over calculated due to confusing intersection
deduction. However, quantities from Glodon and manually calculated has higher accuracy in
term of quantities due to correct intersection deduction. On the other hand, quantities gotten from
manually has higher chances of human error too.
In term of cost management, it is no sense to compare with Revit and TAS. Because the focus is
different between them, Revit is mainly focus on the design phrase, The TAS pays more
attention to the cost management. However, the reason that get them to do the comparison, on
the one hand, show clearly the differences both in the quantity calculation. Some users think
BIM is Revit, Revit is universal, regardless of design or calculation, it can be done. Through the
empirical analysis, found that the gap is still very large; on the other hand, emphasizes the
interoperability modeling data of Revit and TAS software. The practice proved that, the BIM
modeling is a multi-purpose, the realization of the initial model and quantity calculation model is
the interoperability, the technical route is feasible. Using Revit design modeling, through the
export to IFC file format, and imported into TAS software, through the data flow, give full play
to the maximum value point of BIM application.
Revit is a BIM based software for building design, but some people think that BIM equals Revit
because it seems that Revit can also do cost estimation. The comparison helps us to prove that
Revit is mainly applied to design for its abundant and flexible functions, but TAS is a powerful
tool for cost estimation which can help QS to get precise quantities and reliable BQ table.
Meanwhile, the comparison also shows us that TAS and Revit are not separated absolutely, on
the contrary, they can be a tool suite for both calculation and design because TAS can read the
IFC file from Revit directly and vice versa. For the customers, it's also very clear that they could
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Software Application for Quantity Surveying
choose Revit for design and TAS for quantity calculation and they can get the maximum result
with the help of TAS & Revit package.
In this assignment, structural and architectural grid line are different, Thus, we have to manually
adjust and assume elements position so auto deduction could happen but in between of the
adjustment, there might be human error in placing the wall which would affect the quantities.
The best solution for this issue is to get AutoCAD files.
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