construction programs to reduce their project costs significantly

Prototype constructions are gaining popularity among the governmental entities in the United States. Prototype construction refers to a construction program and the model of it is based on replication. In Prototype construction some prototype designs are created maintaining fundamental or crucial features which are approved for several structures. In this concept the design become identical through replication procedure. The design costs are reduced to a great extent due to onetime investment.

This method is ideal for architects, construction companies and engineering firms who strive to capture big public sector contracting opportunities in the United States.

The public officials are trimming down public project costs significantly through the Prototype construction.

Some applications of prototype constructions in USA

The state officials in Pennsylvania have planned to prototype construction to lessen the costs associated with the repairing works for structurally damaged bridges through the state’s Rapid Bridge Replacement Program.

To execute this program, a private-sector partner should be employed to facilitate finance, design and construction of 500 new bridges over a six-year period. Under a prototype construction project, the private-sector partner has to take the responsibilities for preserving the bridges for the state for up to 40 years.

The public-private partnership agreement facilitates saving money on design, construction and maintenance through a prototype for each bridge. The 500 bridges are same in size and design and hence one rendering will be applicable to each structure. Costs will be minimized as the replication process facilitates various types of economies of scale and shorter construction timelines.

In the same way, a private-sector firm has made a prototype design for the construction of all future U.S. embassies. The federal government can save huge amounts through utilization of the similar model and the similar building materials even as reducing construction timelines with best practices and experience.

School districts all through the country are going to undertake prototype building programs. Lots of school districts require new buildings at once due to the increased population. As soon as the design process for a structure is finished, construction work is cut down 10-14 months to about 4 which result in considerable savings.

In Florida’s Miami-Dade County, a prototype procedure is used to a dozen new schools which bring $9 million saving for the district.

In the Wake County schools of North Carolina, the prototype design results in saving between $1.9 million and $6.6 million on design fees. The DeKalb County School District in Georgia has applied a prototype design for reconstruction of seven elementary schools and in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, two new elementary schools were created from a prototype design.

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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World's Longest Sea Bridge Construction

An engineering marvel the Jiaozhou bay bridge has finally opened up after four years of construction. The 26.3 miles long bridge links the port city of Qingdao to the island of Huangdao.

The road bridge, which is 110ft wide and is the longest of its kind, cost nearly £1billion to build.

A bridge over misty waters: The immense £1billion structure which is supported by more than 5,000 pillars stretches for 24 miles along China's eastern port city of Qingdao to the offshore island Huangdao.

It took four years to build the bridge, which is supported by more than 5,000 pillars across the bay, and it is almost three miles longer than the previous record-holder - the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in Louisiana.

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Published By

Arka Roy

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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Make your construction estimating process smarter with aspenOne V8.6

Aspen Technology, Inc. (AZPN), the most trusted solution provider in engineering and optimization software, just unveiled the availability of aspenONE version 8.6 software. The latest AspenTech software is ideal for Engineering & Construction (E&C) as well as Oil, Gas and Chemicals industries to design and maneuver protected plants, calculate project costs precisely from concept to construction.

Benefits of construction estimators:-

Aspen Capital Cost Estimator (ACCE) comprises of newest detailed unit rate estimating which allows the estimators to make calculations into the detailed estimating phase of a project. ACCE V8.6 can easily modify the labor and material unit rates along with materials of construction. This feature enables organization to gain up to +/- 10% exactness and minimize project risk as well as enhance decision creation around the utilization of capital.

ACCE V8.6 facilitates the user to penetrate unit pricing, unit labor, and alter the description of line items in the bulks. Now ACCE can also be applied for figuring out detailed estimates as previously the users were unable to use detailed pricing which is now resolved.

ACCE V8.6 is will save considerable time on estimate, develop the correctness and accuracy of estimates with the progression of any project. The communication amid the estimator and the client as well as will collaboration among engineering disciplines will be enhanced to a great extent. The owners will be able to utilize their capital resource in a superior way under the escalation of cost in the energy and chemical sectors. Strategic Estimating Systems (SES) will be mostly benefitted with this new functionality.

The V8.6 release of aspenONE software, featuring updates to Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus, and Aspen Capital Cost Estimator, is available immediately. Customers having the aspenONE Licensing Model can promote to the new version without incurring any extra cost.

For getting more updates visit, http://www.aspentech.com/products/v8-release

  

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Published By

Arka Roy

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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Common Cost Estimation Practice Traits

There are various issues that must be considered to avoid construction risks and some of the common cost estimation practice traits that must be followed in order to enhance the entire process are given below-

Consistency- Methods that are consistent with the industry standard classification systems such as the UniFormatT or CSI MasterFormatT systems as well as in logical order should be employed. The methods that meet the specific requirements of the client should be used. Employing consistent methods helps different estimators to complete various parts of the quantity survey and can also be continued later by another cost estimator. Through consistency cost fluctuation throughout the different project stages can be easily identified. This survey helps in creating the final account summary.

Documentation- Documentation is a crucial part of cost estimation practice. Documentation of all the segments of estimation should be done in a consistent, logical, precise and legible manner. If any specific detail is found to be vague, estimators should review the original estimate for reference. Clarity in documentation enhances its importance to the reader and turns out to be of great help in matters like settlements of claims, change order preparation and review of past estimates.

Verification- For easy and accurate verification, the quantity survey must be carried in a logical and methodical form which works as proof of the accuracy of any portion of the survey.

Evaluation- Evaluation of the bids must be done whenever the estimate involves use of bids from subcontractors. This helps in the scope and responsiveness to the project. Past performance records of the subcontractors submitting bids must be over viewed in this context as this would aid in determining the level of competence as well as the standard of performance.

 

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Published By

Arka Roy

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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Quantity Takeoff Sheet for Plumbing

A precise construction estimate details of every particular involved in construction including plumbing estimate. A plumbing takeoff is designed to acquire the necessary information about the plumbing materials required.

A proper plumbing estimate is very significant part of the construction estimate as it helps in preventing extra expenses and besides, it also helps in timely completion of the construction in the most cost efficient manner.

Takeoff sheet for plumbing includes size, schedule, material, connection, quantity, total length of the sewer pipes. The cost estimator requires following and adopting the listing in order to create an organized and accurate cost estimate.

  

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Published By

Arka Roy

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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Detailed Estimating Sheet

Detail sheets consist of the genuine quantities and unit prices intended for each of the construction categories. To make the estimating process uncomplicated, various formulas can be put in to carry out the calculations. It will save huge time for builder.

As soon as the detailed sheets are formed, the estimator just has to provide the take-off quantities for the different items. Line item totals, category totals as well as several line-item quantities are automatically calculated from the take-off quantities. If any alterations occur, all calculations are automatically and rapidly updated. The category totals on the detail sheets can be connected to the summary sheet in order that it automatically copies the totals from the detail sheets.

The Video Link is http://www.quantity-takeoff.com/detailed-estimating-sheet.htm

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Published By

Arka Roy

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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Cost Estimating Software - Full Demonstration

CostX is the leading 2D and 3D on-screen takeoff and estimating software. This Full Demonstration video goes over a variety of features in CostX.

For more video demonstrations, please visit www.exactal.com 

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Published By
Arka Roy
www.quantity-takeoff.com
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Cost Estimate Spreadsheet - Extension/Renovation

Brief tutorial on how to use the Cost Estimate Spreadsheet for Extensions and Renovations - use it only for Ballpark Budget estimates for initial feasibility.

The form allows a contractor to come up with a total estimate after breaking down the costs of materials, equipment, employee cost and more. You are able to customize the form to fit your business by using Microsoft Word. Microsoft Word also allows you to edit your form and even add your company logo to it if you wish.

 

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Published By
Arka Roy
www.quantity-takeoff.com
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Trimble accubid enterprise estimating

The recipient of the 2013 Constructech Top 50 Products Award, Trimble® Accubid Enterprise is a server-based, spec-driven estimating platform designated for electrical, industrial mechanical, and ITS contractors. As a multi-user platform, employ the strength of the prosperous assembly and material databases useful for minimizing overabundance as well as inaccuracies for quick and authentic estimates. This leads to more precise and complete bids.

Trimble® Accubid Enterprise applies rational business regulations to imitate and optimize the project lifecycle from bid to completion. The software will facilitate the process to develop bids containing specifications, assemblies and item libraries. The users can also be benefited with the instinctive and customizable takeoff pad. After completion, the project managers will be able to apply bid data to enumerate changes applying the same method.

  

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Published by 
Arka Roy
www.quantity-takeoff.com
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Advantages of Using Construction Estimating Software

There are various factors that must be considered while compiling bid for a construction project. It is important to know that all the bases are covered be it for a residential, industrial or governmental contract. Missing details or underestimating costs of a job can lead to losing a bid entirely.

Construction estimating software helps in simplifying the process of calculating the bottom line. The best construction estimators like ProContractorMX, Estimation and Bid4Build eliminate many common mistakes that could cost an estimator extra expenses. Besides, software can track and compare the estimated cost with the actual cost during and after the job itself.

Using construction-bidding software allows the bidder to manage job costs as well as subcontractor bids, all while generating detailed and profitable bids. Construction estimators account for all aspects of construction, including equipment, labor and materials, so that the bidder does not face unforeseen costs.

Construction Estimating Software should be able to develop and monitor outgoing bids efficiently and precisely. The best construction estimating software supports completion a number of other tasks that constitute the daily business functions of a busy contractor.

Investing in construction management software increases speed and accuracy in creating and presenting bids. Though estimating software application do not guarantee winning every bid, using estimating software helps in creating the best bid possible.

Features: Construction estimating software should have tools that simplify the job. It should be able to track job costs and bids, and to perform general office-management functions such as document preparation, purchase-order processing and archiving previous projects. It should also create invoices and perform some accounting tasks.

Good construction software provides the flexibility required to create bids for a variety of projects. It should also accept customized formulas and calculations, prepare reports, import national cost indexes, compare subcontractor and vendor quotes, and track jobs by divisions and sub-divisions.

Ease of Use: Construction estimating software manages many variables. Though it can be complex, but using the software should be easy. Good estimating applications are well organized and presented in a logical manner so that bidder can get the most out of them in a short amount of time.

Integration: High quality construction estimating software can seamlessly integrate with other third-party applications already being used by the bidder. Integration with accounting software such as QuickBooks, CAD software, Microsoft Project and more will enable saving time and money by consolidating the resources of the bidder. Besides, compatibility with mobile devices such as iPads and smartphones allows updating project information easily.

Help & Support: It is important that the software is complimented with tutorials, training classes or online demonstrations to provide better learning. This type of software involves many aspects; hence it is necessary to know how to utilize all of the features in a productive manner. Apart from tutorials, customer support should also be easily available through various means, and the support team should respond to inquiries promptly and thoroughly.

  

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Published By

Arka Roy

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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Try this Project Management Software - for Free!

Try this Project Management Software - for Free!

PaintCOST Estimator for Excel makes painting cost estimating deceptively simple. Based on MS Excel and improving on its capabilities, PaintCOST Estimator creates fast and accurate painting estimates that help you win bids. With features like, built-in current cost data, effective and detailed reporting including scope of bid, quotation and paint order, estimating painting a painting job is now quick and fun. 

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Published By
Arka Roy
www.quantity-takeoff.com
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Construction with Quadrotor Teams

Teams of quadrotors autonomously build tower-like cubic structures from modular parts. Work done by Quentin Lindsey, Daniel Mellinger, and Vijay Kumar at the GRASP Lab, University of Pennsylvania.

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Published By
Arka Roy
www.washington.quantity-takeoff.com
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Construction Cost Estimator 1.8.1 is just launched

Construction Cost Estimator is an effective cost estimating tool to generate accurate cost estimations for various types of construction projects. The estimator can get the details regarding material cost as well as labor coast for all individual items. Besides, one will be able to make PDF reports to present any project. One can also arrange their costs in diversified categories. Also accumulate your overhead, tax rates and profit. Construction Cost Estimator 1.8.1 is well versed with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad. Requires iOS 6.0 or later. This app is optimized for iPhone 5. In order to purchase cost estimator through the App store, an apple account is necessary.