As a frontrunner in leveraging new technologies, Arcadis wanted to use 3D and BIM technology to automate workflows in quantity estimation processes. Prior manual 2D methods were error-prone and labor-intensive, often lacking transparency and the ability to update cost and quantity changes within the design in real time. They needed flexible BIM technology to extract these quantities digitally, directly from the models.

They selected OpenRoads, OpenRail, and OpenBridge to generate a detailed 3D model of the corridor, where each model element has a predefined ID with dimensions and assigned metadata that is captured in the project-specific bill of quantities document. This workflow automated quantity takeoffs using the BIM model, providing a flexible, efficient method that eliminated manual repetitive tasks, contributing to an estimated time savings of 80%. The digital solution allows transparent access to an up-to-date, model-based quantity estimate and calculation, improving the ability to more accurately predict and plan project deliverables.