DL E&C "Industry's First Completion of Big Data Integrated Cost System"

[Asia Economy Reporter Onyu Lim] DL E&C (formerly Daelim Industrial) announced on the 28th that it has developed a system that visualizes the design quantities and actual post-construction details of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) facilities in 3D video and calculates them using big data, the first in the industry. This establishes a foundation to manage the status of all materials used in construction as data in line with the 4th Industrial Revolution era. Based on this, DL E&C plans to establish a system by 2023 to manage all building materials like car tires or engine oil, replacing or repairing them according to their lifecycle.

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing facilities are materials that enable a building to perform its functions, and due to their diverse types and vast quantities, it has been difficult to standardize cost information. Since 2017, DL E&C has been managing materials such as structural and finishing materials, excluding MEP facilities, with big data. With this new system, it is now possible to manage the costs of all building materials in an integrated manner.

This system automatically converts 2D floor plans into 3D models. Moreover, it autonomously distinguishes fixtures such as sinks and lighting, places them accurately, and automatically connects pipes and wires to complete the drawings. Since approximately 1,600 material data points are managed with big data, anyone can easily check the cost, performance, specifications, and manufacturing information of all materials with a single click. DL E&C plans to utilize this data not only for design and cost calculation but also for future smart building maintenance.

The design period and costs have also been significantly reduced. Previously, designing 3D drawings and calculating quantities for an apartment complex of about 750 households took around 90 days. Using this system, the design period can be reduced by 50%, and costs by more than 66%. Additionally, tasks previously outsourced to external companies can now be performed by in-house personnel. DL E&C aims to further reduce the design period and costs by 50% from this level by 2023.

Lee Sang-young, head of the Housing BIM Team at DL E&C, explained, "BIM technology and big data capabilities have become the fundamental platform for DL E&C's construction management innovation," adding, "We plan to actively utilize the integrated cost management system for building maintenance as well."