Cost model for reinforced concrete beam and slab structures in buildings

An interactive, computer-based cost model has been developed for approximate cost estimation of reinforced concrete beam and slab construction in high-rise commercial buildings, A number of design variables, such as different structural schemes, grid sizes, number of stories, grades of concrete, grid locations, and section of beams, have been incorporated in the model to assess their effect on cost and quantities of constituents of concrete construction. The use of the model is recommended for comparative cost estimation to determine the effect of design parameters on structural cost; for approximate structural-cost estimation of an overall project; for checking of estimates for structural works; for calculation of quantity index for structural schemes and system; for budgeting of materials, and, finally, for use in various studies in building economics.