Framework Design for Bim-Based Construction Cost Estimating Software

This paper mainly focuses on establishing a framework for BIM-based Construction Cost Estimating (CCE) software based on Chinese standards. The characteristics of the existing major CCE software in China and the key requirements of the next generation CCE software were identified based on investigations and interviews. Furthermore, the characteristics of major BIM-based CCE software of foreign vendors were reviewed and their feasibility to be used in China was analyzed. The framework of BIM-based CCE software subject to Chinese standards was proposed and corresponding functions were systematically analyzed. The framework laid a solid foundation for developing the next generation CCE software.