A Bibliometric Review of Building Information Modeling for Quantity Takeoff: Trends, Thematic Clusters, and Future Directions

Abstract

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has transformed the construction industry by enhancing visualization, coordination, and decision-making. Despite its growing adoption, limited attention has been given to its application in Quantity Takeoff (QTO), a critical process for cost estimation. This study addresses this gap by conducting a systematic and bibliometric analysis of BIM-QTO research using the Scopus database. Annual publication trends, geographical distribution, and keyword co-occurrence networks were analyzed to identify emerging patterns. VOSviewer was employed to map thematic clusters, while extrapolation from selected studies provided insight into practical applications of BIM for quantity estimation. The results indicate that although BIM research has grown exponentially since 2005, studies specifically integrating BIM and QTO remain scarce and geographically concentrated. Keyword analysis reveals strong interconnections between “BIM,” “quantity takeoff,” and “cost,” confirming the centrality of these topics. The study concludes that further empirical research is needed to compare manual and BIM-based quantity estimation methods for specific building components, particularly in terms of accuracy and efficiency. These findings highlight the importance of expanding BIM-QTO research to support evidence-based adoption in the construction industry.