Modeling the Relationship of Architectural and Structural Design Variables for Estimating Substructure Cost of Duplexes

Abstract

In-complete project definition at schematic design phase create difficulty in obtaining tangible cost estimate. This research work attempted to establish a time saving quantification model of architectural and structural design relationship for faster estimation of cost of concrete in column bases of residential duplexes. It collated substructure cost predictive variables of 30 residential duplexes from participating construction and cost professionals and crafted and validated from analyzed statistics 5 predictive models for quantifying cost of substructure concrete. It established among others that volume of concrete in column base cannot be estimated from linear regression model based on block work girth alone, but from a multiple regression of floor area and block work girth. It recommended the evolved model as adequate and fit for the forecast of volume and cost of concrete at column bases at sketch design stage when there is no detailed plan.

Keywords: Model, Cost estimation, Concrete, Substructure