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Rouhana, Khalil G. "Neural networks applications in estimating construction costs." Thesis, This resource online, 1994. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-12302008-063358/.
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Asif, Mohammad. "Simple generic models for cost-significant estimating of construction project costs." Thesis, University of Dundee, 1988. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.330103.
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Van, de Voorde James R. "Estimating indirect costs of injuries to construction worker." Thesis, Springfield, Virginia: Available from National Technical Information Service, 1991. http://hdl.handle.net/10945/28174.
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Lloyd, P. "A comparison of some estimating techniques for construction." Thesis, University of Nottingham, 1986. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.381057.
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Licher, Monica Katherine. "Estimating Post-Construction Costs of a Changing Urban Stormwater Program." Diss., Virginia Tech, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/73679.
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Degradation of the nation's waters continues to be a problem and urban runoff is a large contributor to it. New stormwater management policies stress the importance of using stormwater control practices that reduce the quantity and improve the quality of stormwater runoff. The new approaches tend to emphasize small-scale, on-site practices over large scale. Yet to achieve water quality benefits, stormwater control practices must be maintained over time. Maintenance costs of these facilities, however, are poorly understood. A case study of five municipalities around the United States is used to estimate inspection and enforcement costs for each case site. Maintenance activities and costs were collected at the case sites for the following stormwater controls: dry ponds, wet ponds, wetlands, bioretention facilities, sand filters, and infiltration trenches. Cost estimates indicate that inspection and enforcement is not influenced by type. Maintenance cost estimates change depending on the BMP type. Estimated annual post-construction costs applied to a hypothetical 1,000-acre indicate that moving from large-scale to small-scale stormwater controls has a large impact in terms of financial obligation.Ph. D.
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Choi, Ming-hang Edmund, and 蔡銘鏗. "Evaluation of the cost estimating systems." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2001. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B31251651.
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Mao, Yizheng. "A web-based framework for estimating premium costs of potential LEED new construction projects." Thesis, California State University, Long Beach, 2016. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10004156.
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LEED-certified green buildings benefit the owner not only in reducing operating costs, but also in improving the wellbeing of the occupants. LEED premium cost is the extra money a project owner invests in order to upgrade a conventional building to a Green Building. From the financial perspective, the amount of the premium cost is the major concern that keeps investors from targeting LEED certified projects. This study presents the development of cost estimation simulation model: LEED Premium Aided Cost Estimation (LEED PACE) for accurate premium cost in order to help the project owner/investor/architect to estimate the premium cost for potential LEED projects. The estimation program is built off on traditional building code (normally referred to as local municipal codes) and LEED system, which provides project based premium cost estimation. LEED PACE provides potential LEED credits acquisition based on existing project design information. Furthermore, PACE lists all targetable LEED credit(s) with corresponding premium cost(s) to inform project owner what LEED credit(s) can be acquired by changing project design elements and contributing extra cost(s). The parameters used to calculate extra construction costs are extracted from Green Building Cost RS MEANS. Although LEED PACE estimates extra construction cost needed for a traditional project in the City of Los Angeles to target LEED certification, the framework of building LEED PACE can be used to make LEED premium cost estimation for traditional project without geographical limitations. This empirical tool is expected to assist building owner/investor/policymaker in making better-informed decisions towards LEED certification from the economic perspective of sustainability.
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Van, Reede Van Oudtshoorn Armand. "A critical review of the possible reasons for construction cost overruns in light of cost estimating methodologies and models used in industry." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/95685.
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Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research report was conducted to critically review the methodologies and best practices prescribed by world class cost engineering experts and institutions, in order to develop a cost estimating model which organisations could use as a guideline for their cost estimates on large capital intensive projects.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie navorsingsverslag is gedoen om ‘n kritiese oorsig te doen op die metodes en beste praktyke voorgeskryf deur wereldklas koste ingenieur deskundiges en instansies, om sodoende ‘n koste beramings model te ontwikkel wat gebruik kan word deur organisasies as handleiding gedurende die koste beraming van hulle kapitale intensiewe projekte.
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Miroyannis, Aristides. "Estimation of ship construction costs." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/36275.
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Thesis (S.M. in Ocean Systems Management)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, 2006.Includes bibliographical references (p. 105-107).
Since the end of the Cold War naval procurement for the US Navy has seen a dramatic decrease. This decrease in defense spending has placed existing programs under more scrutiny than previous years. As a result there is less tolerance on the part of taxpayers and Congress for procurement cost growth. This Thesis attempts to examine the current method that the Navy conducts ship cost estimates and suggests changes in order to improve the confidence level and accuracy of the forecasts. An examination of how industry is conducting cost estimates was used as a comparison to the current Navy practices. Finally using only a weight based approach to ship cost estimating is insufficient. It is necessary to develop and use a model that incorporates other cost driving factors in order to develop estimates of sufficient quality at the preliminary design level.
by Aristides Miroyannis.
S.M.in Ocean Systems Management
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Phaobunjong, Kan. "Parametric cost estimating model for conceptual cost estimating of building construction projects." Thesis, Full text (PDF) from UMI/Dissertation Abstracts International, 2002. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/utexas/fullcit?p3086790.
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Ogunlana, Stephen Olu. "Accuracy in design cost estimating." Thesis, Online version, 1989. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?did=1&uin=uk.bl.ethos.235888.
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Choi, Ming-hang Edmund. "Evaluation of the cost estimating systems /." Hong Kong : University of Hong Kong, 2001. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record.jsp?B25949780.
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Che, Haron Roziha. "Systems thinking paradigm in construction cost estimating reliability." Thesis, University of Reading, 2017. http://centaur.reading.ac.uk/75021/.
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This thesis advocates the application of systems thinking in the cost estimating system. It describes research aimed at improving cost estimation reliability prepared by a quantity surveyor at the design stage. This research seeks to provide greater insight and added value to cost estimating practices. The systems thinking paradigm improves the current understanding and the technical performance among quantity surveyors in preparing reliable cost estimates. Cost estimation will be able to forecast construction cost for a new project with minimal project information as it is not a simple and straightforward task due to the integration of multiple variables and uncertainties. Current traditional cost estimation techniques have limitations adapting to real world projects. Further, the unit price rate for cost estimation does not provide a reliable and dynamic link between estimates corresponding to the duration and complexity of a new project. This flaw has a negative influence on project performance such as cost overrun. Hence, systems thinking can be a suitable system paradigm to improve construction theory and practice. An improved cost estimates technique enables more effective control of time and cost in construction projects. To achieve this, the objectives of this research include identifying factors affecting cost estimating accuracy, to investigate the influence of factors towards cost estimating, and to propose a systems thinking paradigm for improvement in cost estimating reliability. The systems thinking paradigm is proposed as an alternative methodology in tackling cost prediction challenges in which the interconnectedness among the variables is explained through the causal effects loops. It is the theoretical framework in which knowledge about systems is expressed in relation to cost estimating. The significance of this research will assist quantity surveyors improve cost prediction reliability. The research adopts a non¬experimental approach using the constructivism paradigm. It adopted a mixed method approach using content analysis of cost data from 1,170 Malaysian public education projects, document analysis, and conducting interviews with experienced quantity surveyors. The relationships between time and cost were examined through quantitative analysis, i.e. cross tabulation, correlation, and regression. Findings from this research reveal that traditional cost estimating techniques have a higher probability of error and are unlikely to be reliable. However, by adopting systems thinking, a new approach is recommended as a new paradigm to produce a more reliable cost estimation to support business investment decision making. Substantial benefits can be gained from this alternative which can minimize risks in cost estimation and support the successful management of construction projects.
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Wu, Kin-kwong. "A study of the cost management process and estimation techniques for estimating building services installations in the building construction industry /." Hong Kong : University of Hong Kong, 1998. http://sunzi.lib.hku.hk/hkuto/record.jsp?B25949597.
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Ahiaga-Dagbui, Dominic Doe. "Rethinking construction cost overruns : an artificial neural network approach to construction cost estimation." Thesis, University of Edinburgh, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/1842/10454.
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The main concern of a construction client is to procure a facility that is able to meet its functional requirements, of the required quality, and delivered within an acceptable budget and timeframe. The cost aspect of these key performance indicators usually ranks highest. In spite of the importance of cost estimation, it is undeniably neither simple nor straightforward because of the lack of information in the early stages of the project. Construction projects therefore have routinely overrun their estimates. Cost overrun has been attributed to a number of sources including technical error in design, managerial incompetence, risk and uncertainty, suspicions of foul play and even corruption. Furthermore, even though it is accepted that factors such as tendering method, location of project, procurement method or size of project have an effect on likely final cost of a project, it is difficult to establish their measured financial impact. Estimators thus have to rely largely on experience and intuition when preparing initial estimates, often neglecting most of these factors in the final cost build-up. The decision-to-build for most projects is therefore largely based on unrealistic estimates that would inevitably be exceeded. The main aim of this research is to re-examine the sources of cost overrun on construction projects and to develop final cost estimation models that could help in reaching more reliable final cost estimates at the tendering stage of the project. The research identified two predominant schools of thought on the sources of overruns – referred to here as the PsychoStrategists and Evolution Theorists. Another finding was that there is no unanimity on the reference point from which cost performance could be assessed, leading to a large disparity in the size of overruns reported. Another misunderstanding relates to the term “cost overrun” itself. The experimental part of the research, conducted in collaboration with two industry partners, used a combination of non-parametric bootstrapping and ensemble modelling with artificial neural networks to develop final project cost models based on about 1,600 water infrastructure projects. 92% of the validation predictions were within ±10% of the actual final cost of the project. The models will be particularly useful at the pre-contract stage as they will provide a benchmark for evaluating submitted tenders and also allow the quick generation of various alternative solutions for a construction project using what-if scenarios. The original contribution of the study is a fresh thinking of construction “cost overruns”, now proposed to be more appropriately known as “cost growth” based on a synthesises of the two schools of thought into a conceptual model. The second contribution is the development of novel models of construction cost estimation utilising artificial neural networks coupled with bootstrapping and ensemble modelling.
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Hardcastle, Clifford. "An information model of the construction cost estimating process." Thesis, Heriot-Watt University, 1992. http://hdl.handle.net/10399/1386.
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It is argued that a fundamental criterion which has received little consideration in the investigation of cost prediction is the impact of information upon accuracy. An information model is developed by drawing on the work of communication engineers, information scientists and psychologists. It is then demonstrated that information cannot be divorced from the knowledge of the receiver and as such it then becomes necessary to determine how knowledge is accumulated and how this then impacts upon the need and demand for information, the choice of relevant information, as well as how that information is utilised. The concept of relevance is considered from a logical and psychological perspective. On completion of this analysis the information model which links cost estimating with entropy, information and knowledge is completed. It is argued that the developed model is comprehensive and facilitates the progression of research in this field. The model is then used as a basis for the investigation of the relationship between information and expertise in estimating, choice of information for estimating, impact of information on estimating, perceptions of information quality and the perceptions of the importance of information facets and attributes to the estimating process.
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Wu, Kin-kwong, and 吳健光. "A study of the cost management process and estimation techniques for estimating building services installations in the buildingconstruction industry." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 1998. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B31251523.
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Clark, Michael. "A Framework for BIM Model-Based Construction Cost Estimation." DigitalCommons@CalPoly, 2019. https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/1997.
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This thesis presents a framework to conduct a quantity take-off (QTO) and cost estimate within the Building Information Modeling (BIM) Environment. The product of this framework is a model-based cost estimating tool. The framework addresses the cost uncertainty associated with the detailed information defining BIM model element properties. This cost uncertainty is due to the lack of available tools that address detailed QTO and cost estimation using solely a BIM platform. In addition, cost estimators have little experience in leveraging and managing information within semantic-rich BIM models. Unmanaged BIM element parameters are considered a source of uncertainty in a model-based cost estimate, therefore they should be managed and quantified as work items.
A model-based system, which assists the estimators to conduct a QTO and cost estimate within the BIM environment, is developed. This system harnesses BIM element parameters to drive work items associated with the parameter’s host element. The system also captures the cost of scope not modeled in the design team’s BIM models. The system consists of four modules 1) establishing estimate requirements, 2) planning and structuring the estimate, 3) quantification and costing, and 4) model-based historical cost data collection. The complete system can produce a project cost estimate based on the 3D BIM Model.
This framework is supported by a computation engine built within an existing virtual design and construction (VDC) model review software. The computation engine supports BIM authoring and reviewing BIM data. The Framework’s quantification and costing module was compared to existing methods in a case study. The outcomes of the model-based system demonstrated improved cost estimate accuracy in comparison to the BIM QTO method and improved speed compared to the traditional methods. The framework provides a systematic workflow for conducting a detailed cost estimate leveraging the parameters stored in the BIM models.
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Saket, Munther Musa. "Cost-significance applied to estimating and control of construction projects." Thesis, University of Dundee, 1986. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.276578.
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Mair, Andrew John. "Estimating and control of construction projects using cost significant work packages." Thesis, University of Dundee, 1990. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.335780.
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Wilkin, Kelly R. "Cost estimation performances of Nevada highway infrastructure construction projects." abstract and full text PDF (free order & download UNR users only), 2006. http://0-gateway.proquest.com.innopac.library.unr.edu/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&res_dat=xri:pqdiss&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:1436025.
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Blackwood, David John. "Rationalisation of design cost estimation in the construction industry." Thesis, University of Abertay Dundee, 1998. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.242114.
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Theodorakopoulos, Thomas F. "Integrated cost management system for delivering construction projects." Thesis, Loughborough University, 2017. https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/27629.
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Cost management forms a major discipline in delivering construction projects of different sizes and complexity. Traditional cost management systems are mostly based on principles enacted several decades ago. A notable feature of these traditional cost management systems is that key information required for critical decisions is usually produced too late, and is often too aggregated and configured in a form that is not amenable to the requirements for current project management practice. Other problems associated with traditional cost systems relate to inadequacies in estimating and cost control processes and particularly the lack of integration of cost management across the whole project. The lack of integration means measurements provided by traditional cost systems do not sufficiently align with the goals and objectives set for the project. To address these inherent weaknesses in the current practice of cost management, a number of studies have argued for an integrated alternative that better responds to the information demand and decision making need to be developed. The thesis presents the development of a solution to such an integrated cost management system. The developed solution addresses the gaps of the traditional option by integrating the stages making up the whole life cycle of the project to enable professionals gain an appreciation of the ramifications of any early decisions made. The investigation conducted to support the development of the integrated cost management system and the applied model addresses user requirements and determination of the system boundary conditions for efficacious use by key decision makers. The new cost management system developed achieves a linkage of the planning and control stages into one, with a continuous stream of cost management information in both stages. The integration ensures that cost information is more relevant to the circumstances of the modern project manager.
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Celik, T. "Developing a building construction associated social cost estimation system for Turkish construction industry." Thesis, University of Salford, 2014. http://usir.salford.ac.uk/34147/.
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Purpose - Construction projects, especially in the urban areas, generate serious environmental nuisances for the adjacent residents. Construction causative adverse impacts on the neighbouring communities are known as the social costs. The amount of social cost changes from country to country depending on the applied building code of practices and building permission regulations. If the relevant code of practice is mandatory or the regulations are strict, contractors inherently will pay more attention to obey them and the occurrence of the social cost is less likely. However, in many especially developing countries, like north Cyprus and Turkey, those rules are either not existing or loose and in this case high amount social costs are caused by the contactors. The presence of the social costs are broadly embraced in theory however, they are not predominantly applied yet during project initial cost estimation practices. One of the reasons for that is, the social costs are rather complicated to measure and quantify due to lack of a paradigm for practice that guides the professionals on how to classify and assess them in the most applicable way possible. Thus, this research aims to develop a generic a social cost estimation system for Turkey and North Cyprus construction industries which assists to identify the social cost drivers, to estimate the social costs on the basis of the identified drivers, to incorporate social cost into project initial cost and to compensate it for the third parties. In this system, the contractors will be enforced to minimize the nuisances of the people residing around a construction site. Otherwise, the contractors will be forced to compensate them through a bonding system. Design/Methodology/Approach – the research adopts a triangulation strategy adopting multi-method approach in tackling the social cost phenomenon through a rigorous research process. For example, through comprehensive literature review, the research identified the social cost impact types; social cost components are established by the focus group through brainstorming sessions, and observations and self-experience in case study projects either via site visits or participating in the case study projects; the enumeration of the qualitative components of the social costs are obtained via questionnaire based survey. Findings – The segmentation of the social costs are evaluated as the impacts on house, household and neighbourhood. A total of 17 perceivable nuisance criteria are defined for those segments. The enumeration of all perceivable nuisance criteria is implemented where the estimated total social cost can be generated by using them. Practical implications – It paves a solid foundation for the professionals in the Turkish construction industry to perform precise building construction associated social cost estimations. Originality/value – This research provides sound and sequential system to estimate and compensate social costs for building constructions in the residential areas of developing countries. Keywords – Social cost, construction adverse impacts, building construction nuisance criteria, Turkish construction industry, and quantification of the social costs.
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Oralkan, Gaye A. "An object-oriented design intent externalization and representation model for cost estimating applications." Thesis, This resource online, 1991. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-10222009-125049/.
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Appau, Kwaku Addae. "An integrated model of computer-aided cost estimating/scheduling in construction management." Diss., Georgia Institute of Technology, 1994. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/23130.
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Membah, Joseph F. J. "Parametric Cost Estimating and Risk Analysis of Transportation Tunneling Projects." Diss., North Dakota State University, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10365/25908.
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Due to the increased scrutiny of construction costs for infrastructure projects by the
public and legislators, it is becoming increasing important for project developers to prepare
accurate conceptual cost estimates for transportation tunnel projects at the feasibility stage to aid
in making investment decisions. Past studies have emphasized that tunnel-project costs have
been significantly underestimated, and cost uncertainties and risks have been identified as the
cause of cost under or overestimation. A broad understanding of the factors that contribute to
cost underestimation is important as it enables researchers and estimators to develop appropriate
functions, evaluate, and implement them to produce realistic cost estimates.
This study was aimed at developing parametric cost estimation functions and quantifying
their risks for transportation tunnel projects. A comprehensive background study of more than 39
published articles on transportation tunnel infrastructure projects was conducted through a
systematic literature review and 40 key estimating parameters that may impact project costs and
the associated project logistics were identified. Data from completed tunnel projects were
collected and used to develop the parametric cost equations. Exploratory analyses were first
performed to discover the correlations among tunnel costs and tunnel cost parameters/drivers.
The purpose of this effort was to assess if a relationship existed between tunnel variables and
tunnel project cost estimates. Parametric cost estimation functions were then developed for
different tunnel applications. There has been no comprehensive study performed to date to
develop parametric cost estimation functions that incorporated risk and uncertainty for
transportation tunnel projects. Two representative sample case studies were performed and
Monte Carlo simulation was used to quantify the associated risks. The results from the case
studies illustrate the need to use appropriate techniques to simulate tunnel costs and quantify the risks associated with the estimates. The findings of the study provide a methodology to estimate
the costs of transportation tunnels and quantify the uncertainties and risks associated with the
costs. The methodology developed in this research could help reduce the incidence of project
cost underestimation and alleviate some of the controversies surrounding cost overruns in
transportation tunnel projects.
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Schade, Jutta. "Energy simulation and life cycle costs : estimation of a building's performance in the early design phase." Licentiate thesis, Luleå : Luleå University of Technology, 2009. http://pure.ltu.se/ws/fbspretrieve/2785427.
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Stutesman, Jonathan Harley. "Identifying the Economic Barriers to CLT Cost Estimation Among Building Construction Professionals." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/96712.
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Cross-laminated timbers (CLTs) are strong and lightweight structural building materials. CLTs are made from renewable wood resources and have significant economic potential as a new value-added product for the United States. However, market penetration has been obstructed by product affordability and lack of availability for use. Previous studies and projects have surveyed opinions of designers and contractors about the adoption of CLTs. No previous study was found that surveyed cost estimators, who serve the essential function of creating economic comparisons of alternative materials in commercial construction. CLTs are not included in these current cost estimation tools and software packages which may be limiting the potential use of CLT in construction.
The purpose of this study was to discover if cost estimation is being used to make structural decisions potentially affecting the marketability of CLT use in construction and building design because of the ability to estimate CLTs adequately. Through the use of a survey, the re-designing of a building, and discussions with subject matter experts, this study examined the knowledge level of cross-laminated timbers of under-surveyed building construction professions and the relationship between cost estimation and structural material choices. Their responses are demonstrating the need for better cost estimation tools for cross-laminated timbers such as inclusion in the Construction Specifications Institute's classification systems in order for CLTs to become a more competitive product. The study concluded that cost estimation is important for CLT market development, because it is being used extensively in the construction industry.Master of Science
Cross-laminated timbers (CLTs) are strong and lightweight structural building materials that also serve as a method of sequestering carbon rather than emitting carbon like more traditional construction materials. CLT construction is straightforward and quick to assemble, requiring minimal time and labor. CLTs are made from abundant and renewable wood resources and have significant economic potential as a job creator and as a new value-added product for the United States. However, market penetration has been obstructed by product affordability and lack of availability for use. Previous studies and projects have surveyed opinions of designers and contractors about CLT use. However, no previous study has been found that examined the opinions of cost estimators, who serve an essential function in providing economic comparisons of different construction systems for designers and building owners to select in the commercial construction area. CLTs are currently not included in these cost estimates, and this lack of information may be limiting the potential of this construction system. The purpose of this study was to discover if cost estimation is being used to make structural decisions potentially affecting the marketability of CLT use in construction and building design because of the ability to estimate CLTs adequately. Through the use of a survey and discussions with subject matter experts, this study examined the knowledge level of crosslaminated timbers of under-surveyed building construction professions and the relationship between cost estimation and structural material choices. They are demonstrating the need for better cost estimation tools for cross-laminated timbers such as inclusion in the Construction Specifications Institute’s classification systems in order for CLTs to become a more competitive product. Cost estimation is performed early in the design process before the structural material has been chosen. However, making cost estimates of CLT materials early in the design process is not a practical solution at this point due to the lack of cost data available. As an alternative solution, this project developed a design tool that is meant to accelerate the design process and allow companies to approach suppliers for quotes, which require mostly complete designs. While this is not a complete solution, if designs are made faster and more effortless, they should also be a more affordable investment for clients. 5 | Page Building construction professionals perceived CLT construction as too expensive, unavailable to the consumer, or unwanted by the client. It was found that the lack of data, due primarily to the material being new to the US construction industry, was a significant barrier to CLT cost estimation. The custom design of many previous CLT projects, due to the lack of CLT construction in the current building codes, limits the collection of standard CLT construction data. There is also an issue with the discrete sizes of CLT panels limiting their competitiveness. These barriers were identified in this study, and further research is needed to develop complete solutions.
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Celenligil, Onur. "Analogical Reasoning For Risk Assessment And Cost Overrun Estimation In Construction Projects." Master's thesis, METU, 2010. http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/12612229/index.pdf.
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Project cost increase is the main concern in international construction projects which usually results in disputes and conflicts among the project participants. The aim of this thesis is to construct a database that represents risk event history regarding international construction projects and construct a cost overrun prediction model. It is hypothesized that magnitudes of project related, company related and country related risk factors can be predicted by assessing the level of vulnerability by analogical reasoning with previous projects. The vulnerability and risk factors can further be used to predict cost overrun in the bid preparation stage of international construction projects. Thus, prediction models that link vulnerability with risk factors and cost are constructed by using a dataset of 166 international construction projects, which consists of 66 real and 100 hypothetical cases. Case-based reasoning (CBR) technique is used to construct the prediction models. After testing the performance of various CBR models using different weight generation and retrieval methods, error rate of +/- 7.15 % cost increase is achieved. The utilization of CBR models in the prediction of potential risk sources and cost overrun is demonstrated by a real case study. Finally, the benefits and pitfalls of using analogical reasoning for risk and cost overrun assessment of construction projects are discussed.
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Karanci, Huseyin. "A Comparative Study Of Regression Analysis, Neural Networks And Case." Master's thesis, METU, 2010. http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/12612514/index.pdf.
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Construction cost estimating is essential for all of the stakeholders of a construction project from the beginning stage to the end. At early stages of a construction project, the design information and scope definition are very limited, henceduring conceptual (early) cost estimation, achieving high accuracy is very difficult. The level of uncertainty included in the cost estimations should be emphasized for making correct decisions throughout the dynamic stages of construction project management process, especially during early stages. By using range estimating, the level of uncertainties can be identified in cost estimations. This study represents integrations of parametric and probabilistic cost estimation techniques in a comparative base. Combinations of regression analysis, neural networks, case &ndash
based reasoning and bootstrap method are proposed for the conceptual (early) range cost estimations of mass housing projects. Practical methods for early range cost estimation of mass housing projects are provided for construction project management professionals. The methods are applied using bid offers of a Turkish contractor given for 41 mass housing projects. The owner of all projects is Housing Development Administration of Turkey (TOKI). The mass housing projects of TOKI are generally a mix of apartment blocks, social, health and educational facilities, and some projects may also have mosques. Results of the three different approaches are compared for predictive accuracy and predictive variability, and suggestions for early range cost estimation of construction projects are made.
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Li, Jinmin. "Integrating Building Information Modelling (BIM), Cost Estimating and Scheduling for Buildings Construction at the Conceptual Design Stage." Thesis, Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10393/35292.
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Estimating the construction time and cost of a building project is an essential task of construction manager, which benefits owners, engineers and contractors. Construction duration and cost, in particular, have profound influence on the outcome of a project at the conceptual stage of its life. The conventional methods used to estimate the time and costs of construction projects are based on 2D models, which need much time and effort from engineers, estimators and schedulers who are involved in preparing them because all of this process is done manually, especially when the project has several design alternatives. Considering that, Building Information Modelling (BIM), which is a technology that enhances data transfer and ensures cooperation among designers, engineers, and contractors, can provide an efficient way for cost estimating and schedule planning. On the other hand, sustainability has drawn more and more attention by the construction industry, this is because a project’s construction process has crucial impacts on society, the environment, and the economy. Modular Construction has been proven to ensure sustainable construction by reducing the negative impacts on the environment, reducing construction time, and improving manpower productivity. This research aims at developing an integrated model that interrelates BIM with construction cost estimation, scheduling, and sustainability at the conceptual design stage of projects. The aim is to reduce the preparation time and increase the efficiency of making major decisions for both conventional construction and modular construction.
The proposed model consists of five modules, including a data collection module, a cost estimation module, a scheduling module, a sustainability evaluation module, and a 5D integrated module. Plug-ins were developed in the model to link BIM tool (i.e., Autodesk Revit) with Microsoft Excel to ensure automatic data transfer among these modules all within a BIM platform so that owners and designers can quickly generate a reliable construction cost estimate, construction schedule, preliminary sustainability evaluation, as well as construction process simulation.
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Ozturk, Erhan. "Cost Estimation Of Trackworks Of Light Rail And Metro Projects." Master's thesis, METU, 2009. http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/2/12610332/index.pdf.
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The main objective of this work is to develop models using multivariable regression and artificial neural network approaches for cost estimation of the construction costs of trackworks of light rail transit and metro projects at the early stages of the construction process in Turkey. These two approaches were applied to a data set of 16 projects by using seventeen parameters available at the early design phase.
According to the results of each method, regression analysis estimated the cost of testing samples with an error of 2.32%. On the other hand, artificial neural network estimated the cost with 5.76% error, which is slightly higher than the regression error. As a result, two successful cost estimation models have been developed within the scope of this study. These models can be beneficial while taking the decision in the tender phase of projects that includes trackworks.
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Hackett, James Arthur. "The role of cost estimators in UK construction : a case for, and steps towards, an estimating profession." Thesis, University of Birmingham, 2011. http://etheses.bham.ac.uk//id/eprint/3001/.
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Estimators and Quantity Surveyors (QS) have pivotal roles in the profitability of construction contracts; however, only QSs have professional recognition. Comparisons between these groups suggested that this may be an anomaly. The purpose of this thesis was to consider the role of the Estimator relative to the accepted criteria attaching to professional status. To achieve this, definitions of a profession were used to compare QSs and Estimators in terms of remuneration, education and professional representation. A statistical analysis on each of these conditions suggested that there was no significant difference in terms of salary offered or education required, by employers. Further investigation, however, did reveal considerable differences in educational and professional opportunities, favouring QSs. With regard to the key defining criteria of a profession and the consideration given by employers, the results indicated that there was no difference between the two groups. Further surveys developed proposals for an Estimator “Body of Knowledge” (BoK) and Training Needs Analysis (TNA) and also found a changing role in meeting diverse client-driven procurement methods and employer requirements. As this demonstrated a case for professional recognition to be considered then these proposals could be used as a platform for further development.
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Mackenzie, David Ian. "A review of project controls in the UK and methodologies to improve the processes." Thesis, Teesside University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10149/112675.
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The construction industry represents a significant part of the Gross Domestic Product, (GDP) in the UK. It employs around 1.4 million people and has averaged around 7.5% of GDP over recent years. Although the industry is of major importance to the UK economy, it still under achieves. Many projects run over budget and are completed late to schedule and a lot of resource is invested in making good defects, repair and replacement and in litigation (Latham 1994). These shortfalls in the construction industry were investigated by EGAN 1998 in his report, Rethinking Construction. EGAN proposed five key drivers for change, these consisted of committed leadership, focus on the customer, integrating the processes and teams, a quality driven agenda and commitment to people. Targets were set to gauge the improvements to the UK, these include 10% reduction in capital cost and construction time, 20% reduction in defects and accident, 20% increase in productivity and profitability and 10% increase in predictability of project performance. This thesis reviews one of the most important drivers, which is the improvement to integrate construction processes through improved project controls. The aim of the Thesis was to investigate by a literature review, a questionnaire and survey and three audits of client’s processes and work practices how Project Controls was currently operating to deliver Projects on time and within budget. It was then necessary to review (how based on best practice) current Project Control processes and systems could be improved. The improvements are portrayed by the development a series of “road maps” and “tool kits” demonstrating how processes and systems could be improved. This research thesis investigates the status of Project Controls in the UK and develops methodologies to improve controls. The investigation of Project Controls is based on five pieces of work, namely; i) A literature review of current practices; ii) The development of a questionnaire and survey results; iii) Three client reports of work carried out by the author. The five pieces of work were then contextualised to form a commentary of findings and recommendations for improvement. The recommendations were then linked to a methodology for improvements to the key elements of Project Controls. The aims of the thesis were achieved in that many issues of weakness were identified in current Project Control systems and processes and “road maps” were developed identifying in detail how best practice should be adopted. The thesis identifies major weaknesses in control of major projects with examples such a Pharmaceuticals, Building construction and Road construction industries demonstrating minimal understanding of the concepts and benefits of effective control. It could be described as disappointing series of examples of why some of our Industries fail to deliver to cost and schedule. However, the thesis does layout via “road maps” how improvements could be made, this knowledge has in part been shared with some clients in the Pharmaceutical and Road construction. The thesis therefore does demonstrate a contribution to knowledge and some of its recommendations are being implemented in practice. The primary conclusions of the Thesis indicates that with the exception of Oil & Gas companies there are major gaps between what is accepted as best practice and what is happening in Industry with regards to Project Controls. There is a lack of understanding at Project Control engineer and Project Manager Level. There is a need for additional training in particular for Project Managers as their understanding and ability to see the benefits is paramount to driving forward effective planning and control for projects. Also it is necessary that robust Project Control procedures are established in all industries to integrate the cost and planning disciplines to ensure a common approach to best practice is adopted.
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Panthi, Kamalesh. "A Methodological Framework for Modeling Pavement Maintenance Costs for Projects with Performance-based Contracts." FIU Digital Commons, 2009. http://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/120.
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Performance-based maintenance contracts differ significantly from material and method-based contracts that have been traditionally used to maintain roads. Road agencies around the world have moved towards a performance-based contract approach because it offers several advantages like cost saving, better budgeting certainty, better customer satisfaction with better road services and conditions. Payments for the maintenance of road are explicitly linked to the contractor successfully meeting certain clearly defined minimum performance indicators in these contracts. Quantitative evaluation of the cost of performance-based contracts has several difficulties due to the complexity of the pavement deterioration process. Based on a probabilistic analysis of failures of achieving multiple performance criteria over the length of the contract period, an effort has been made to develop a model that is capable of estimating the cost of these performance-based contracts. One of the essential functions of such model is to predict performance of the pavement as accurately as possible. Prediction of future degradation of pavement is done using Markov Chain Process, which requires estimating transition probabilities from previous deterioration rate for similar pavements. Transition probabilities were derived using historical pavement condition rating data, both for predicting pavement deterioration when there is no maintenance, and for predicting pavement improvement when maintenance activities are performed. A methodological framework has been developed to estimate the cost of maintaining road based on multiple performance criteria such as crack, rut and, roughness. The application of the developed model has been demonstrated via a real case study of Miami Dade Expressways (MDX) using pavement condition rating data from Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for a typical performance-based asphalt pavement maintenance contract. Results indicated that the pavement performance model developed could predict the pavement deterioration quite accurately. Sensitivity analysis performed shows that the model is very responsive to even slight changes in pavement deterioration rate and performance constraints. It is expected that the use of this model will assist the highway agencies and contractors in arriving at a fair contract value for executing long term performance-based pavement maintenance works.
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Farah, Toni E. "Review of current estimating capabilities of the 3d building information model software to support design for production/construction." Link to electronic thesis, 2005. http://www.wpi.edu/Pubs/ETD/Available/etd-082305-165125/.
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Xu, Shen. "Automatic cost estimation of construction project based on building information modelling : a knowledge-based system approach." Thesis, University of Reading, 2015. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.699790.
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Alder, Morgan A. "Comparing Time and Accuracy of Building Information Modeling to On-Screen Takeoff for a Quantity Takeoff of a Conceptual Estimate." Diss., CLICK HERE for online access, 2006. http://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/ETD/image/etd1487.pdf.
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Han, Sedat. "Estimation Of Cost Overrun Risk In Interrnational Project By Using Fuzzy Set Theory." Master's thesis, METU, 2005. http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/12606032/index.pdf.
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In the global construction market, most construction companies are willing to undertake international projects in order to maximise their profitability by taking advantage of attractive emerging markets and minimise dependence on unfavorable domestic market conditions. In order to be awarded a contract in highly competitive global construction market, companies should excel in choosing the most attractive markets and prepare winning bids for the selected construction projects in those markets. While preparing bids, the major concern of companies is to offer an optimum price that will enable them to earn enough profits and win the contract at the same time, where profit making ability is strongly correlated with proper estimation of a risk premium that is added onto the estimated cost of the project. Due to the nature of construction works, there are lots of uncertainties associated with the project, market and country conditions. Therefore, how the profitability of the project changes with occurrence of various risk events, in other words, the sensitivity of project costs to risk events, should be estimated by bidders realistically. In this study, fuzzy set theory is used to estimate cost overrun risk in international projects at the bidding stage. The objective is to propose a methodology which can be used by bidders to quantify cost overrun risk so that a realistic risk premium may be determined. A fuzzy risk rating approach is proposed to quantify cost overrun risk rating, which takes into account of risks characterised in international construction projects. For this purpose, risk sources have been identified and a risk model is put forward by using influence diagramming method. Based on this risk model, a fuzzy risk rating algorithm has been defined and software has been developed to conduct fuzzy risk rating calculations easily. After a decision-maker inserts the necessary inputs related with project and country risk factors, the output of the software is a rating that takes into account of all factors that may affect cost overrun risk in international construction projects. The reliability of the algorithm and developed software have been tested by an application on a real construction project. The proposed methodology and decision support tool have been proved to be reliable for the estimation of cost overrun risk while giving bidding decisions in international markets.
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Kato, Camila Seiço. "Método para estimar custos diretos da execução de edifícios: aplicação à alvenaria estrutural." Universidade de São Paulo, 2012. http://www.teses.usp.br/teses/disponiveis/3/3146/tde-19072013-110646/.
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O trabalho de mestrado propõe um método para estimar custos diretos de edificações, através da análise de fatores que comparam o edifício a ter o custo prognosticado com outro tomado como referência. Esta ferramenta é muito útil na medida em que a análise de custos durante estágios iniciais do empreendimento auxilia as empresas de Construção Civil a tomar decisões importantes, tais como a compra do terreno, o lançamento do empreendimento, a escolha da concepção arquitetônica da edificação, entre outras. O método utilizado para a elaboração desta ferramenta foi a modelagem, pois utilizou-se de análises paramétricas para descrever o funcionamento do prognóstico de custos. A simulação da ferramenta desenvolvida foi feita para o serviço de alvenaria estrutural, e envolveu levantamento bibliográfico para conhecer e quantificar os aspectos técnicos e arquitetônicos que influenciam o custo deste serviço. O método proposto, apesar de ter um desenvolvimento complexo, possui vantagens em relação a outros estudados na revisão bibliográfica, tais como: precisão, rapidez na utilização em alvenaria estrutural, entendimento de fatores influenciadores, possibilidade de atualização do método, utilização por diferentes empresas, comparação de diferentes projetos arquitetônicos.This thesis proposes a method to forecast direct costs for multi-storey building construction. The costs are estimated by comparison to another building which costs were estimated before. The cost estimation this method provides can be very useful to improve important decisions including: land purchasing, timing to initiate marketing campaigns, and selecting architectural concepts. The approach to develop this method was modelling; parametrical analyses were used to describe the cost prognosis. The conceptual model was tested for structural masonry direct cost estimate. To do so, bibliographical survey was used in order to identify and quantify the impact of technical and architectonic parameters on the cost of this service. The proposed method, although complex, presents many advantages when compared to existing methods including: its accuracy, speed when used for structural masonry estimates, the understanding of the trigger parameters, it is easy to include new information, allows diversity of users, and its ability to compare different architectural designs.
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Shi, Xin, and 施歆. "A fuzzy reasoning cost estimation model of sustainable building refurbishment solutions for residential buildings in Hong Kong." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10722/208599.
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The global climate has been affected adversely due to the emissions of large amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and there is an urgent need for emissions reduction. Carbon dioxide is a major greenhouse gas and the reduction of its emissions is indispensable to the achievement of sustainable development. The building sector is a major source of carbon dioxide emissions and one way to reduce the emissions is uplifting the energy efficiency of existing buildings by conducting sustainable building refurbishment. As cost would affect the decisions on sustainable building refurbishment strategies, it is necessary to examine the cost of various sustainable refurbishment solutions for existing buildings. Unfortunately, most of the previous studies focused on the technical side with little effort being directed to cost side. Therefore, cost analysis of sustainable building refurbishment solutions should be conducted to fill the research gap.
The aim of the research is to develop a cost estimation model to facilitate decision makers to evaluate the cost of sustainable building refurbishment solutions for residential buildings in Hong Kong by considering various factors affecting the cost. The major research methods include literature review, interview and questionnaire survey. Through literature review, the current practice of sustainable building refurbishment is investigated. A variety of refurbishment solutions including improvement on building envelope, renovation of building services system and the use of renewable energy are reviewed. Cost evaluation techniques commonly used in the construction industry including qualitative techniques, quantitative techniques and intelligent methods are also identified and discussed. Due to the limitations of cost data and previous experience, it is suggested that fuzzy logic theory be adopted to develop the cost estimation model.
To facilitate the development of the model, the factors affecting the cost of sustainable building refurbishment solutions are examined through literature review and interview. It is found that market price, complexity, efficiency, economy of scale and disturbance are the dominant factors affecting the fluctuation of cost. Finally, a fuzzy reasoning cost estimation model of sustainable building refurbishment solutions is developed. The model is built based on fuzzy reasoning system. Users can input the information of the project and the model is able to evaluate the cost fluctuation based on the information provided by the users. The model is then validated.
The cost estimation model developed in this research provides a new way for the construction industry practitioners to estimate the cost of sustainable building refurbishment projects effectively and efficiently.published_or_final_version
Civil Engineering
Master
Master of Philosophy
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Xu, Weili. "An Energy and Cost Performance Optimization Platform for Commercial Building System Design." Research Showcase @ CMU, 2017. http://repository.cmu.edu/dissertations/956.
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Energy and cost performance optimization for commercial building system design is growing in popularity, but it is often criticized for its time consuming process. Moreover, the current process lacks integration, which not only affects time performance, but also investors’ confidence in the predicted performance of the generated design. Such barriers keep building owners and design teams from embracing life cycle cost consideration. This thesis proposes a computationally efficient design optimization platform to improve the time performance and to streamline the workflow in an integrated multi-objective building system design optimization process. First, building system cost estimation is typically completed through a building information model based quantity take-off process, which does not provide sufficient design decision support features in the design process. To remedy this issue, an automatic cost estimation framework that integrates EnergyPlus with an external database to perform building systems’ capital and operation costs is proposed. Optimization, typically used for building system design selection, requires a large amount of computational time. The optimization process evaluates building envelope, electrical and HVAC systems in an integrated system not only to explore the cost-saving potential from a single high performance system, but also the interrelated effects among different systems. An innovative optimization strategy that integrates machine learning techniques with a conventional evolutionary algorithm is proposed. This strategy can reduce run time and improve the quality of the solutions. Lastly, developing baseline energy models typically takes days or weeks depending on the scale of the design. An automated system for generating baseline energy model according to ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1 performance rating method is thus proposed to provide a quick appraisal of optimal designs in comparison with the baseline energy requirements. The main contribution of this thesis is the development of a new design optimization platform to expedite the conventional decision making process. The platform integrates three systems: (1) cost estimation, (2) optimization and (3) benchmark comparison for minimizing the first cost and energy operation costs. This allows designers to confidently select an optimal design with high performance building systems by making a comparison with the minimum energy baseline set by standards in the building industry. Two commercial buildings are selected as case studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of this platform. One building is the Center for Sustainable Landscapes in Pittsburgh, PA. This case study is used as a new construction project. With 54 million possible design solutions, the platform is able to identify optimal designs in four hours. Some of the design solutions not only save the operation costs by up to 23% compared to the ASHRAE baseline design, but also reduce the capital cost ranging from 5% to 23%. Also, compared with the ASHRAE baseline design, one design solution demonstrates that the high investment of a product, building integrative photovoltaic (BiPV) system, can be justified through the integrative design optimization approach by the lower operation costs (20%) as well as the lower capital cost (12%). The second building is the One Montgomery Plaza, a large office building in Norristown, PA. This case study focuses on using the platform for a retrofit project. The calibrated energy model requires one hour to complete the simulation. There are 4000 possible design solutions proposed and the platform is able to find the optimal design solution in around 50 hours. Similarly, the results indicate that up to 25% capital cost can be saved with $1.7 million less operation costs in 25 years, compare to the ASHRAE baseline design.
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Folkesson, Linda. "Analys av nyckeltal på produktionskostnader i tidiga skeden : För säkrare kalkyler i egenregiprojekt." Thesis, KTH, Byggteknik och design, 2014. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-148821.
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Syftet med detta examensarbete är att analysera nyckeltalen för produktionskostnaden som nyttjas vid investeringsbeslut i flerbostadsprojekt. För att kartlägga osäkerheterna innan investering sker tas kostnadskalkyler fram. Dessa kalkyler innehåller ofta flertalet osäkra poster då projekten är till stor del fortfarande på idéstadium och uppskattningar blir ett måste. Rapporten inleds med att riskerna, utifrån risknivå och konsekvenserna utav dem, definieras och analyseras. Följande presenteras Veidekkes önskade hantering av kostnadsriskerna och slutligen vilka möjligheter och hinder det finns inom dagens organisation för att uppnå dessa arbetsmetoder. Studien har baserats på kvalitativa intervjuer med representanter från olika yrkesroller, i olika projektskeden och från de tre olika svenska regionerna. Dessa intervjuer har visat på att de största osäkerheterna ligger i entreprenadkostnaderna, markkostnaderna och konjunkturens påverkan på bostadsmarknaden. Vidare visar studien på att en ökad detaljeringsgrad av produktionskostnaden per kvadratmeter skulle öka säkerheten i kostnadsuppskattningarna vid rätt hantering av dem. Detaljeringen måste framför allt ta hänsyn till typ av hus, val av grundläggning, garagelösning, antal våningar och snittstorlek på lägenheterna. I rapportens slutsats och diskussion utvecklingen resonemang kring olika arbetssätt. Betoningen är lagd på samarbetet mellan affärsområdena då informanterna lyft det som viktigaste redskapet för säkra kalkyler.This thesis aims to analyze the key figures of production costs in multi-family housing projects. Before committing to an investment these risks need to be identified and production calculations presented. These calculations often contain uncertain items as projects are largely undefined and still at the idea stage and estimations are required. In the introduction of the report the risks are identified and analyzed based on their severity and the effect of them. Followed by a presentation of Veidekke's desired risk management practices and concluded with the opportunities and barriers that exists within the current organization. The study based on interviews with representatives from various professions, in different phases of projects and from the three different Swedish regions. These interviews have shown that the greatest uncertainty lies in construction costs, land costs and the economy's effect on the housing market. The study also shows that an increased level of detail of the production cost per square meter would enhance the security of these cost estimates if handled correctly. The details need to especially consider the type of house, choice of foundation, garage solution, number of floors and the average size of the apartments. The thesis is concluded by presenting and analyzing new working methods with key figures There is a focus on the cooperation between the business areas as the informants lift it as the main tool for secure calculations.
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Chee, Ronson Riley, and Ronson Riley Chee. "Prioritization of Potable Water Infrastructure Investments on the Navajo Nation." Diss., The University of Arizona, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/624473.
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Notorious for its high poverty levels and low socio-economic status, the Navajo Nation’s socio-economic well-being is hindered greatly in part by the lack of an adequate potable water infrastructure which has resulted in health disparities and has attributed to stunted economic growth within the Nation. Large candidate regional water transmission pipelines projects aimed to meet these needs have been identified. With capital costs exceeding their fiscal capability, decision-makers must choose projects that generate the most bang for the buck. To address these challenges, three (3) interconnected planning tools have been developed: (1) a water pipe installation construction cost estimation model (WaterCOSTE) to improve the accuracy of capital cost estimates; (2) a hydraulic optimization model (WaterTRANS) that improves design efficiency for branched water transmission systems; and (3) a decision support system (DSS) that allows candidate water transmission projects to be ranked while considering economic development, health improvement and environmental protection objectives. Estimates derived from WaterCOSTE are used as input into WaterTRANS to find least-cost system designs. The system costs along with other project data are then input into the DSS to determine project rankings. To demonstrate how the DSS can be used and applied, two candidate projects on the Navajo Nation are evaluated. The tools developed will enable decision-makers to improve planning processes and make wiser investment decisions that will lead to expanding the water infrastructure coverage and living conditions on the Navajo Nation.
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Fekete, László. "Ceny dopravních staveb se zaměřením na pozemní komunikace." Master's thesis, Vysoké učení technické v Brně. Fakulta stavební, 2012. http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-225705.
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The aim of this work is to introduce the pricing for traffic constructions, more precisely for the road infrastructure in phase of preparation and realisation. There is a specific example of the cost estimating of a realized construction presented here. Then there is an analysis of an example focusing on the compliance with the financial limit of the planned construction. In the theoretical part of this thesis basic information about the traffic in the Czech Republic, a brief overview of the process of construction of roads, and price creation of the road structures with increased attention to cost estimating and possibilities of financing of roads are mentioned. In the last part of the work the evaluation of the work and samples of interesting facts about the current financing of transport constructions are presented.
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Peng, Min. "Item-level quantity-based preliminary cost estimating system for highways structures and miscellaneous construction." Thesis, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/2152/2607.
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"Analyzing the Distribution and Variations in Construction Costs for Commercial Tenant Improvement Projects." Master's thesis, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/2286/R.I.41248.
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abstract: In this era of high-tech computer advancements and tremendous programmable computer capabilities, construction cost estimation still remains a knowledge-intensive and experience driven task. High reliance on human expertise, and less accuracy in the decision support tools render cost estimation error prone. Arriving at accurate cost estimates is of paramount importance because it forms the basis of most of the financial, design, and executive decisions concerning the project at subsequent stages. As its unique contribution to the body of knowledge, this paper analyzes the deviations and behavior of costs associated with different construction activities involved in commercial office tenant improvement (TI) projects. The aim of this study is to obtain useful micro-level cost information of various construction activities that make up for the total construction cost of projects. Standardization and classification of construction activities have been carried out based on Construction Specifications Institute’s (CSI) MasterFormat® division items. Construction costs from 51 office TI projects completed during 2015 and 2016 are analyzed statistically to understand the trends among various construction activities involved. It was found that the interior finishes activities showed a much higher cost of construction, and a comparatively higher variation than the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) trades. The statistical analysis also revealed a huge scope of energy saving measures that could be achieved in such TI projects because of the absence of energy management systems (EMS) found in 66% of the projects.Dissertation/Thesis
Masters Thesis Construction 2016
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Wall, Darden Lee. "Parametric estimating for early electric substation construction cost." Thesis, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/2152/ETD-UT-2009-12-455.
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Developing accurate construction estimates is critical for electric utilities to make reliable financial plans for their future. Parametric estimating is just one of several techniques available to help estimate the cost of a construction project. Other estimating methods may have some advantages over parametric estimating in the latter stages of a project but parametric estimating is possibly the most accurate method in the very early stages of a project. This report delves into the analysis and development of a parametric equation for use primarily in the very early stages of a construction project. The result of this research is a functional equation that can be used for estimating future electric substation construction cost with a fair level of confidence.text
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Lin, Bing-Yi, and 林秉毅. "Investigation of Cost Estimating Methods for Construction Projects." Thesis, 2004. http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/bakkjd.
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碩士國立交通大學
土木工程系所
92
Cost Estimating of Construction Projects, as the basis of execution of operation, an estimator plays an important role, whose knowledge of Cost Estimating is gained through fieldwork, accumulation of experiences, textbooks on Cost Estimating, and etc. However, this research reviews over twenty textbooks on Cost Estimating published in Taiwan and other countries, discovering the lack of statements about integral Cost Estimating. The shortcomings are as follows: 1. Cost Estimating Process at different stages－Current statements of calculating steps of Cost Estimating complicate an estimator’s understanding of when Cost Estimating is needed, what information on Cost Estimating is necessary, what the calculating process of Cost Estimating is, and which participant should be in charge. 2. Cost Estimating Methods at different stages－Current method of Cost Estimating focusing on the accomplishment of detailed design drawing fails to fully explain methods of Cost Estimating at other stages. 3. Literature reviews on Cost Estimating at different stages and recommendations for future work－Currently, no books containing literature reviews on Cost Estimating and recommendations can offer an estimator references when conducting future researches and real practicing. Through literature reviews on Cost Estimating and case studies, this research organizes the process of cost estimating at different stages, the methods of Cost Estimating, and illustrations of National Nano Device Laboratories (NDL). Furthermore, targeting at literature reviews on the process and the methods of Cost Estimating at different stages, this research illustrates current studies and recommends further issues, setting up the idea of Cost Estimating to train an estimator to utilize the methods of integral Cost Estimating.