Preparation of cost estimate documentation based on a digital information model for the purposes of state expertise

Introduction. The preparation of cost estimate documentation for capital construction projects is one of the key processes in investment and construction activities, directly affecting the accuracy of cost determination and the outcomes of state expert review. In the context of the implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) technologies, there is a need to develop methodological approaches to the preparation of cost estimate documentation based on digital information models.

Materials and methods. The methodological basis of the study includes the analysis of regulatory legal acts of the Russian Federation, scientific publications of Russian and international authors, as well as the practice of state expert review. The following research methods were applied: analysis, synthesis, classification, formalization, and information modelling. Process modelling was carried out using BPMN notation.

Results. An analysis of typical comments from state expert review bodies was conducted, and their systemic causes related to inconsistencies between design and cost estimate information were identified. A comparison of traditional and BIM-based approaches to cost estimate preparation was performed, demonstrating the advantages of using digital information models. The functional capabilities of domestic BIM-based cost estimation software were analyzed, and limitations preventing full automation were identified. A conceptual model for cost estimate documentation preparation was proposed, including regulatory, information, software, and expert review levels.

Conclusions. The results confirm the need to develop a unified methodological model for preparing cost estimate documentation based on digital information models. The proposed conceptual model ensures the structuring of processes and preservation of structural and semantic data relationships, contributing to improved quality of cost estimate documentation and increased efficiency of state expert review. 

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