| This study intends to develop thorough step-by-step procedures of conceptual structural cost estimating for building construction that integrates knowledge and expertise. Conceptual estimating is the forecasting of project cost at the early stage of design when only the overall design parameters are available. The lack of information and clear project definition, combined with the uncertainty and lack of detailed drawings, make conceptual estimating a very difficult task. Due to these constraints, a working knowledge and experience is a must to make the necessary assumptions in order to develop a reliable estimate. This thesis is divided into two independent sections, namely steel and concrete structural cost estimating. Both sections are accompanied by comprehensive discussion and explanation of the estimating methodologies. Finally, examples of conceptual steel and concrete structural estimates are presented in detail for reference. |
