< Previouswww.mepmiddleeast.com 30 MEP Middle East | October 2019 KNOWLEDGE PARTNER TRUSTED AND PROVEN TO WORK Exactal product specialist and qualifi ed quantity surveyor Herman van Eeden debunks some of the myths surrounding BIM and the QS profession THE QS ROLE IN BIM There exist numerous misnomers about BIM. Even though some have been dispelled, several of these paints a dark picture for the future of quantity surveying. For example, a BOQ can be produced with a sin- gle click; all quantities will reside within a BIM fi le; engineers and architects will be able to extract all necessary quantities from a model themselves. The reality of BIM and the QS profession is far less bleak, as the value of surveying knowledge and experience cannot be replaced by new software or technology. Surveyors/estimators who are using BIM fulfi l the same traditional roles. The only fundamental difference is the take-off speed benefi ts of BIM, freeing up time to add value to stakeholders. The QS can benchmark cost rates, simulate the impact that material changes can have on a budget, and generally apply their knowledge to achieve the best outcome for the project. We should, therefore, rather be welcoming BIM as a tool to add to our repertoire as surveyors. The fi rst step would be education; learn about BIM, the process, the international standards, and adoption. Most importantly, explore the power of BIM for yourself and the value that it can add to your day-to-day. Some key competencies include being well- versed in design modelling development, identify- ing quantities at specifi c levels, and manipulating models to extract usable quantities and measures. Validation of the reliability of a model and its con- tained information is also important, as is adjusting cost plans to refl ect evolving project data whilst op- erating in the Common Data Environment (CDE). This results in identifi cation of issues in the model and puts an emphasis on a methodical and consistent approach to procedures. Project teams preparing to introduce BIM on a development require a blueprint that outlines how the collaboration will progress. This is referred to as a BIM Execution Plan, and the document provides a baseline to measure pro- gress. It is helpful in ensuring that all members un- derstand collective goals, responsibilities and expec- tations at all stages of a project. Contents of a BEP Proper use of the modern technology frees up time, providing added value to all stakeholders on every project. October 2019 | MEP Middle East 31 www.mepmiddleeast.com KNOWLEDGE PARTNER TRUSTED AND PROVEN TO WORK can include project information and defi ned goals, indi- vidual roles and responsibilities of each project mem- ber, BIM exchange protocols and data requirements, technology, and infrastructure considerations. As quantity surveyors our roles have at times been reduced to something quite boring and unimaginative. BIM may force us to think outside the box and possibly change some of our age-old workfl ows for the better by evaluating effi ciencies at different stages of the project. For several years now, BIM processes have been widely accepted as imperative to the future of the built environment. In practice, projects that utilise BIM feature faster delivery time, improved collaboration among stakeholders, and reductions in change orders and overall costs. The new ISO standards will support systematic adoption by giving decision-makers the confi dence to go ahead with BIM. 19650-1 and 19650-2 are well- researched standards that were created with signifi - cant input from industry professionals. By no means the fi nal piece in the puzzle for world- wide BIM implementation, they add credence to the notion that BIM is here to stay and represent a big step in the right direction. While accurate quantity schedules can be exported from design software to CSV format, there are several issues that may present. Firstly, the schedules produced for a complex BIM fi le may contain thousands of rows of objects with in- creased potential for human error when inserting for- mulae. In the absence of standardised or stored calculation methods, surveyors must be careful when inputting data. Each new revision of the model will result in a revised schedule. Imagine completing a mapping defi nition for the schedule which can then be applied to each revised BIM technology strives to provide a joined up approach to the entire construction process, from design through to fi t out. model with overlaying capabilities to explore visu- ally where the changes have occurred, as opposed to two large lists of objects. As BIM is all about collaboration, it seems quite counter intuitive to then export to a schedule that only one user can work on at a time, resulting in confl icting fi les/schedules being created. Even though an exported schedule could be a simple to understand tool for managing BIM data, there are more effi cient options available to quantity surveyors, CostX is a truly worthwhile investment for those looking to take the next step with BIM. CostX combines 5D BIM support with advanced 2D takeoff, auto-revisioning, spreadsheet-based workbooks, professional report production, and much more. exactal.comwww.mepmiddleeast.com 32 MEP Middle East | October 2019 INSIGHT UAE BIM Association founder Ahmed Abou Alfa explains the rationale behind the creation of the non-profi t organisation COMMUNITY SERVICE According to McKinsey Global Institute’s industry digitalisation index: “The construction industry is among the least digitised”. Across the Middle East, especially here in the UAE, we never had any association that supported or empowered digital construc- tion – until now. The idea of a non-profi t is very challeng- ing and the ability to defi ne and measure its value diffi cult to obtain (Brown, 2015). However, here our passion comes into effect and makes the idea of the UAE BIM Association (UBA) a tangible one. The idea of the UAE BIM Association was discussed on many occasions and at many events prior to its formation. We recently published an executive busi- ness plan which addresses our mission, message, objectives, and main goals, and emphasises how BIM, VDC, and digital con- struction are – and will become even greater – pillars for a sustainable and smart built en- vironment. Some 93% of construction industry players agree that digitalisation will affect just about every process in the sector (Roland Berger, 2016). In light of this, the UAE BIM Association carries a remit to raise awareness levels of the technology within the corridors of the construction industry, focussing on best practice, new methods of working, and pro- cedures in the fi eld of digital transformation for professionals and their fi rms. Some countries around the world have established BIM associations and/or BIM arms of established institutes to serve con- struction digital transformation and create guidelines and standards that can be fol- lowed in BIM implementation. Now that service is being mirrored here in the UAE. In addition to external research, UBA has conducted a market analysis of BIM maturity levels among construction professionals and fi rms’ representatives. The results refl ected many misunder- standings and myths about BIM methodolo- gies and its implementation. One key fi nding of results, with more than 3,000 individuals surveyed. We used this data to establish a fi rm set of messages. UBA’s primary objective is to act as the common platform to empower construction industry professionals and inspire fi rms to a better understanding of how digital transfor- mation, BIM, and VDC can be harnessed to create a sustainable and more smartly built environment. During its formation, it was very hard to was that many construction professionals thought that by either mastering BIM tools or being certifi ed from a professional soft- ware body, they are now fully capable to im- plement BIM and can act as BIM managers. UBA doesn’t deny the fact that the fi rst step towards successful BIM implementa- tion is mastering BIM tools. UBA’s research team communicated with different bodies and people of varying ages, experiences, and fi elds to gain a tangible set The UAE BIM Association doesn’t deny the fact that the fi rst successful step towards BIM implementation is mastering October 2019 | MEP Middle East 33 www.mepmiddleeast.com INSIGHT This digital revolution cannot be achieved by just one entity – innovative ideas, creation of BIM mandates and regulation are key to government input new tools through training and investment. create a clear roadmap and goals we wanted to achieve for the UAE via the UBA; but practical inputs and experience were a must to be in with a chance of hitting targets and key objectives. UBA’s other goals include hosting key ac- tivities to ensure that its message is well re- ceived, understood, and spread among junior engineers and students during the formative stage of their development. This will allow the UBA to begin support- ing construction professionals during their digital transformation journey. The UBA is also planning to participate in the wider lobbying and call for digital trans- formation for the construction industry here in the UAE and across the rest of the Middle East, and proudly so as the fi rst organisation of its kind in the region. Specifi c plans include awareness sessions and events; deployment of BIM and VDC methodologies and best practices in UAE universities; free on site and online courses for junior engineers and graduates; and regu- lar contact with the industry to foster a more general understanding of the technological advances available to professionals. UBA’s message concludes with a set of objectives and goals that will be achieved through a staged timeline, depending on the level of maturity in the UAE construc- tion market. For best results, objectives have been created for the short, intermediate and long-term. However, this digital revolution cannot be achieved by just one entity. As mentioned by Deloitte in a report back in 2017: “Governments will need to be at the forefront of these changes”. Promoting innovative ideas, creating UAE BIM mandates and standards in line with in- ternational frameworks, and regulating best practices and guidelines that will be used and implemented by industry bodies is key to the aforementioned government input. In line with His Highness Sheikh Moham- med bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s guidance: “We are making Dubai the happiest city on earth by embracing technology innovation, mak- ing Dubai a more seamless, safe effi cient and personalized city experience for all residents and visitors,” (Smart Dubai Offi ce, 2019). Dubai plans to be the fi rst Smart City glob- ally, and UAE BIM Association has taken shape over a long period of preparation to assist in this wider goal. The UAE has always been a country that embraces new innovations, breakthroughs and ideas, particularly with the fast track of life and digital transformation, which is occurring in all industries and sectors. However, construction has a tendency to lag behind other industries, and that is part of the reason why the UBA has stepped into the fore. As stated by the UAE’s Prime Minister’s Offi ce: “The National Innovation Strategy aims to take innovation in the UAE to new heights, where a culture of innovation is em- bedded among individuals, companies and governments. “It primarily focuses on identifi ed priority sectors that will drive future innovation.” UBA intends to be part of that journey, and with just cause. The UAE is one of the most mature and up to date countries in the world when it comes to using new tech- nologies, and analysis shows that the digital market could add up to $95billion per year to the Middle East’s annual GDP by 2020 (Digital McKinsey). References: 1) BizFilings, n.d. A Guide to Starting and Running a Nonprofi t Organization. s.l.:s.n. Brinckmann, J., Dew, N., Read, S. & Mayer- Haug, K., 2019. 2)Of those who plan: A meta-analysis of the relationship between human capital and busi- ness planning. Long Range Planning, 52(2), pp. 173-188. Brindle, A., 2015. 3) Google’s Aaron Brindle talks Blue Jays [In- terview] (14 October 2015). 4) Brown, W. A., 2015. Strategic Manage- ment in Nonprofi t Organization. s.l.: https:// doi.org/10.3727/152599501108751434. 5) Digital McKinsey, 2016. Digital Middle East: Transforming the region into a leading digital economy.. s.l.:McKinsey & Company. McKinsey & Company, 2016. 6)The digital future of construction. s.l.:s.n. Morakanyane R Grace, AA & O’Reilly, P, 2017. 7) Conceptualizing Digital Transformation in Business Organizations: A Systematic Review of Literature. Bled, s.n. Roland Berger, 2016. 8)Digitization in the construction industry. s.l.:s.n. Smart Dubai Offi ce, 2019. Smart Dubai 2021. [Online] Available at: 2021. smartdubai.ae. UAE BIM Association founder Ahmed Abou Alfa.MEP MIDDLE EAST AWARDS 34 MEP Middle East | October 2019 www.mepmiddleeast.com MEET THE Introducing the expert panel assembled to run the rule over nominations for this year’s MEP Middle East Awards When it comes to the MEP Middle East Awards, only the best will do. That’s why we’ve assembled a crack team of experts for our judging panel ahead of Novem- ber’s annual prizegiving – the biggest (and best) of its kind the sector has to offer. We’ve brought together some of the sharpest minds in the sector to offer sound, in- dependent judgement on the mountain of nominations we received during the application process. There are 16 categories to pick winners in, meaning the panel has its work cut out, but we’ve no doubt they are up to the challenge. The deadline for nominations may have passed, but there is still plenty of time to book your table and be at the biggest night in the MEP calendar, when the best of the best will be recognised for all they have achieved over the past 12 months. To secure your tickets for an unmissable night of celebration and networking go online to mepmiddleeast.com/awards today. Now, without further delay, allow us to introduce the sub- lime six who will help MEP Middle East separate the good from the great in our quest to hail the best of the best. JUDGES Prize SponsorSilverGoldMEP MIDDLE EAST AWARDS October 2019 | MEP Middle East 35 www.mepmiddleeast.com Mandarr is an EFQM-certifi ed assessor with more than three decades of experience in busi- ness excellence. He has been based in the UAE for the past 15 years, and during that time has worked with market leaders across various industry verticals. As director for the Middle MANDARR AGSHIKAR DIRECTOR, MIDDLE EAST AMCA INTERNATIONAL East for the Air Movement & Control Association (AMCA), Mandarr is well accustomed to running the rule over the feats of organisations and individuals. The not-for-profi t association covers manufacturers of fans, dampers, louvers, air-curtains, and other air-system compo- nents for commercial HVAC, industrial-process, and power- generation applications. Mandarr is also a senior asses- sor for various awards, such as DQA and DHDA from Dubai Eco- nomic Department, the shjSEEN Award from Sharjah Chamber of Commerce, and the coveted UAE Innovation Award from Dubai Quality Group, to name but a few. Nerissa Deoraj is an environ- mental specialist having gradu- ated from the University of Kwa- Zulu-Natal, South Africa, with a BSc in Environmental Sciences. With over seven years of ex- perience in the Middle East, she is well experienced in a number of disciplines; such as operations management, environmental NERISSA DEORAJ DIRECTOR TECHNICAL & REGULATORY AFFAIRS EUROVENT MIDDLE EAST and regulatory compliance and standardisation, event co-ordina- tion, sustainability, and product management. Nerissa is highly skilled at traversing the HVACR regula- tory landscape in the Middle East, having worked in-depth with regulations, standards and conformity assessment schemes under the jurisdiction of the Emirates Authority for Standardization & Metrology (ESMA), Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQCC), Saudi Standards, Metrology & Quality Organisation (SASO), and the Gulf Standardization Organisation (GSO) among many of others. Founder of the UAE BIM As- sociation, Ahmed Abou Alfa, was the fi rst person to achieve the British Standards Institution Kitemark for BIM design and construction in an Emirati con- tracting company. A member of the AIA, he is also a certifi ed Autodesk AHMED ABOU ALFA FOUNDER UAE BIM ASSOCIATION professional and instructor, holding several academic and professional certifi cations. Ahmed is both a recognised LEED Green Associate and LEAN Construction Profes- sional. During his career he has successfully implemented BIM systems at Azmeel and Al Bawani, two of the top construc- tion companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Alongside other pursuits, he now guest lectures at the Ameri- can University of Dubai, deliver- ing lessons on BIM and digital construction. Prize SponsorSilverGoldMEP MIDDLE EAST AWARDS 36 MEP Middle East | October 2019 www.mepmiddleeast.com Vasanth has over three decades of experience in the Middle East construction industr y, and was involved in hundreds of projects of diverse application across Bah- rain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and India before announcing his retirement. Vasanth co-founded Arabian MEP, and under his leadership M. VASANTH KUMAR EX-GROUP CEO & CO-FOUNDER ARABIAN MEP the company grew exponentially to establish a large holding com- pany supporting contracting, maintenance, facility manage- ment, trading, and hospitality services. Vasanth is much decorated, having landed several awards over the years, including MEP Executive of the Year and Construction Executive of the Year. As part of his efforts in giving something back to the industry, Vasanth is currently engaged as an independent and freelance expert, and is returning to the MEP Middle East Awards judg- ing panel having cast his eye over nominations in 2018. Omnia co-founded Griffi n Con- sultants backed up by a Master’s degree in international business and a Bachelor of Science in en- gineering, a combined education that has proved instrumental in the effective management of projects and her fi rm. Being a certifi ed professional herself with multiple international OMNIA HALAWANI DIRECTOR & PARTNER GRIFFIN CONSULTANTS certifi cations in high-performing buildings and sustainability, Om- nia knew that Griffi n Consult- ants couldn’t achieve its vision without assembling a team that is highly professional, enthusias- tic, and that shares the compa- ny’s aim of “making a difference towards more sustainable cities”. The company fi rmly embeds environmental and social sus- tainability into its operational model, and embraces UN SDGs that align with the core activities in each and every project. On another personal note, Omnia was recognised as a dis- tinguished alumni entrepreneur of the American University of Sharjah in 2014. Under his current title of techni- cal manager, Majd leads the tech- nical programmes of Emirates Green Building Council (EGBC). His main role is to create new strategies and programmes, while managing existing initiatives, as a means to drive the council’s mis- sion of promoting sustainability MAJD FAYYAD TECHNICAL MANAGER EMIRATES GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL of the built environment in the UAE. Signifi cant achievements with EGBC include leading the fi rst three research stud- ies of their kind in the region regarding the energy effi ciency of existing buildings and zero energy buildings; establishing the fi rst industry benchmarks for energy and water performance of hotels, schools and malls; and offering the fi rst defi nition for nearly zero energy buildings in the Middle East and North Africa, which has proven to be a stepping stone to driving policy towards de-carbonisation in the UAE and beyond. Prize SponsorSilverGoldMEP MIDDLE EAST AWARDS October 2019 | MEP Middle East 37 www.mepmiddleeast.com Arun Cherian was named Young Engineer of the Year in front of a packed crowd at last year’s installment of the MEP Middle East Awards, which return on 6 November. China State CEC Middle East picked up a prize in 2018. Electrical Engineer of the Year for 2018 Baskaran Ramanantham... but who will win this year? Prize SponsorSilverGoldMEP MIDDLE EAST AWARDS 38 MEP Middle East | October 2019 www.mepmiddleeast.com EAE Elektrik area manager ALAN BURBERRY talks us through his fi rm’s plans for the region, and looks forward to the MEP Middle East Awards on 6 November SPONSORS Meet the Prize SponsorSilverGoldPrize SponsorSilverGoldMEP MIDDLE EAST AWARDS October 2019 | MEP Middle East 39 www.mepmiddleeast.com Since entering the UAE market back in 2003, EAE Elektrik has grown to become one of the largest and most active busbar suppliers in the region. Globally, EAE operates in more than 100 countries, with over 46 years of busbar experience to draw on. “We can proudly state that no area of the UAE is without an EAE busbar installation,” says area manager Alan Burberry. Originally employing just one EAE direct employee, supported by a team of four from a local dealer, the fi rm now has three direct EAE members of staff, 30 technicians, and dedicated after-sales support personnel. “All are dedicated to service and support both existing installations, ongoing, and forth- coming busbar orders,” explained Burberry. “In addition to continued and focused atten- tion on growing our busbar coverage, EAE plans to increase activities in marketing and supplying other manufactured products into the region. “We will shortly employ two more sales professionals to market our lighting, automa- tion, and cable containment systems.” The major conversations of the day haven’t escaped EAE’s attention as Burberry and his colleagues plot future success. And with MEP contractors always being asked to do more for less, EAE has posi- tioned itself as an authority for those seeking effi cient and cost-effective solutions. Burberry said: “There are many inherent benefi ts in using busbar systems over cables. “Over the years, through the undertaking of many EAE technical seminars, our cli- ent base has increased, with designers and contractors becoming aware of the advan- tages and fl exibilities of using of EAE busbar systems. “Recognising the market’s move towards using BIM modelling in the construction industry, EAE offers the full range of our busbar in revit format and cable containment systems in Aveva, for incorporation into the early designs of such construction projects using client software, hence providing huge time savings on site. “Also mindful of the fact clients are prefer- ring to package product offerings under one supplier to reduce the inherent administra- tion costs, EAE is able to offer and support a ‘one stop shop’ facility for its many products; namely busbar systems, lighting products, fi t out solutions, home/lighting automation, and cable containment systems. “Design support is also available lo- cally from our team in terms of space planning, volt drop studies, lux light- ing calculations, and site surveys previ- ously always completed by both the MEP designers and contractors. It should also be noted that EAE products have certifi cation from KEMA-DEKRA (Holland), KEMA- KEUR, UL classifi ed laboratories as per IEC 61439-1/6 standards.” While looking forwards, Burberry also pointed to recent past successes for the com- pany – including a signifi cant project output milestone. He explained: “Earlier this year EAE se- cured its fi rst UAE project incorporating a package of EAE busbar, lighting, and cable containment systems. “A major milestone was also achieved as we completed our 600th UAE project, in which all busbars are running successfully. “Moreover, we also introduced our new 24/11KV E-Line Medium Voltage busbar sys- tem for an industrial project in Jebel Ali, to compliment the LV sandwich and cast resin busbar products being supplied and already well known in the region.” Looking ahead to the fast approaching MEP Middle East Awards, Burberry added: “The awards night gives us the unique oppor- tunity to socialise with many of our existing, and potential new, clients under one roof, and we are very much looking forward to it.” EAE Elektrik area manager Alan Burberry. Prize SponsorSilverGoldPrize SponsorSilverGoldNext >