Development of ontological algorithms for exact QTO of reinforced concrete construction items


Ergen F., Bettemir Ö. H.

Structures, vol.60, pp.1-18, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 60
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.istruc.2024.105907
  • Journal Name: Structures
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
  • Page Numbers: pp.1-18
  • Inonu University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Building Information Modeling (BIM) provides significant benefits to the construction industry throughout the project management process. However, state-of-the-art BIM software provides erroneous quantity take-off (QTO) results above the negligible margin. In this study, QTO calculation algorithms have been developed for rough construction and implemented on BIM software to solve the stated problem. The developed QTO algorithms establish semantic relations and search the neighborhood of the structural elements to detect the intersecting structural elements. Amount of intersection is calculated by the dimensions and the locations of the intersecting structural elements. Exact length and spacing of the rebar and stirrups are calculated by considering the created semantic relationships. QTO of formwork is accurately calculated by considering the voids of the QTO computations which are obtained from the constructed semantic relationships by investigating the column-beam, slab- beam, and slab-column contact areas. Furthermore, the construction type of the scaffolding for the formwork is determined by considering both the dimensions of the structure and the established semantic relations. The developed algorithms are executed on BIM capable software and tested in four case studies with special conditions. The comparison with manual condition revealed that the proposed algorithms provided exact results. The semantic QTO algorithms developed in this study have the potential to be useful for BIM software developers.