Idrus, A and Newman, J (2003) Ifess: A computer tool to aid structural engineers at the conceptual design stage. Construction Innovation, 3(3), pp. 127-143. ISSN 1471-4175
Abstract
The conceptual stage of building design is where the most important decisions are made, for example, in determining the choice of structural elements such as floors. However, decisions made at this stage, particularly those involving costs and speeds, are often based on subjective judgement, rules of thumb and familiarity. This paper reports on the development of a computer spreadsheet tool that employs a more objective and systematic procedure in selecting concrete floors at the conceptual design stage, in which costs and speeds are quantitatively evaluated using, respectively, the method of elemental estimating and a simple bar chart technique, but in conjunction with a specially developed “lead-in index”method. The results of the evaluation are then tabulated and systematically ranked to facilitate selection of the best floor system. The tool would thus assist engineers to make a more well-informed and rapid choice of floor systems at the early design stage.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | conceptual design; construction cost; construction time; floor systems; spreadsheet tools |
| Index terms: | conceptual design, early design stage, construction cost, estimating, engineer, structural engineer, spreadsheet, construction time, building design |
| Subjects: | data science, design process, design practice, financial and cost management, profession, project controls, architectural design |
| Topics: | Design Practice, Cost Management, Roles and Professions, Research Practice, Time Control |
| Descriptive scope: | 2 PC |
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