Comparative analysis of quantity take-off in concrete, steel bars and formwork in apartment buildings based on CAD and BIM methodologies

Building Information Modeling (BIM) prepares the quantity take-off (QTO) of the construction elements, helping in the management of the design and construction process and preparing the 3D visualization of the construction phases. BIM increases efficiency and gives users more control over construction-related tasks. Construction industry professionals are aware of the advantages of BIM, but because the software BIM is expensive and requires staff training, BIM is not yet widely used. The present investigation identifies the New Cycle building as a Case Study, in which inconsistencies were detected in the QTO, compared to the real quantities of budgeted materials, so the interested parties decided to implement BIM in the use of QTO as a mechanism of control. The central question addressed was: If BIM had been implemented at the tender stage, could it have provided benefits to the project? To do this, various parameters were evaluated that allowed a comparative analysis to be carried out between the results obtained through the use of the CAD and BIM methodology in the same project. In addition, the work processes associated with both methodologies were studied and the perception of CAD and BIM users in the Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC) industry was analyzed through the Delphi method. Using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, it was possible to evaluate and compare the two alternatives, CAD and BIM, in order to determine which of them would have been more effective in satisfying the objectives set in the project, considering various variables, both technical and economical. The study highlights the advantages of BIM over CAD for QTO in construction projects, providing valuable information for informed decision making in future projects. However, BIM adoption faces challenges such as the need for specialized training, industry resistance to change, complex workflows, and investments in software and hardware. To overcome these barriers, it is recommended to implement comprehensive training programs, foster a culture of innovation and collaboration, simplify BIM-QTO workflows, and explore scalable and accessible technological solutions.