COMPARATIVE STUDY OF COMPATIBILITY AND BILL OF MATERIALS IN ELECTRICAL DESIGN BETWEEN THE CLASSIC 2D CAD METHOD AND BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING

Abstract

In the traditional CAD-based design method, the workflow is sequential, fragmented, and asynchronous, which makes coordination between disciplines difficult. These characteristics represent limitations that can negatively impact quantity takeoff. In contrast, the use of the Building Information Modeling (BIM) approach can bring improvement in compatibility and, consequently, greater precision in the quantification. This study presents the benefits of using BIM in improving the accuracy of verification of the bill of materials for electrical infrastructure, as compared to the classic 2D method. For this purpose, a case study of a public university building was carried out, based on projects developed in 2D CAD. BIM coordination was carried out using three electrical systems models design developed in modeling software, with the aid of the clash detection tool in certain BIM coordination software. The comparison of the bill of materials included infrastructure items. The results show that the BIM approach brings the simulation closer to reality, increases the accuracy of the design, facilitates the detection of clashes and significantly improves the quantification process, activities that tend to be exhaustive and difficult to visualize using only 2D design.