Silas Mikkelsen has developed a digital process that enhances one of the most fundamental tasks in construction projects: quantity take-off.

Instead of manually calculating how much soil, gravel, or other materials a project requires, he created a function that extracts data directly from a 3D model and links it to the client’s bill of quantities.

This is achieved using custom-developed Item Types in software such as OpenRail.

"The solution automates a process that is currently time-consuming and prone to errors. It can therefore save both time and money," says Silas Mikkelsen.

The model delivers precise quantities and can be linked to the project’s various phases. It bridges financial planning and technical design, providing a clear overview – from early concept estimates to detailed planning, and continuing through design, tendering, and construction.

"It provides a traceable and consistent data foundation, which can improve collaboration between consultants, clients, and contractors," he explains.

Industry experts emphasize that this kind of transparency is much needed. Rune Kruse, who works at Rambøll and served as an external advisor on the project, notes:

"This is an area that really needs upgrading. Soil is one of the most expensive materials we work with, so it’s crucial to know the quantities and be able to trace where they come from."

Because the extraction is automated, it creates a reliable dataset that is difficult to achieve using traditional methods.

"When we can calculate soil volumes and trace them back in the system, it can save the client or contractor a lot of money," he explains.

"Disputes often arise over soil because moving it is costly. Silas’ process makes it much easier to document exactly how much is used in each part of the construction plan."

Testing on a New Railway Line

The solution was tested on a section of the planned railway line between Aarhus and Galten, part of Denmark’s Infrastructure Plan 2035. 

If realized, this will be one of the first new railway lines built in Denmark in many years – making it an ideal test case for digital methods.

The bachelor project was integrated with OpenRail, used by Banedanmark, but the same approach can be applied to road projects through OpenRoads by linking model data to the Danish Road Directorate’s bill of quantities, explains Silas Mikkelsen.

"A digital quantity model using Item Types can improve quality, streamline design, and strengthen the tendering and construction phases of all types of civil engineering projects," he says.

The project received the highest possible grade. Christina Sylvest Jensen, supervisor and lecturer at the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, praises the project:

"Silas’ work is unique because he developed his own solution and turned it into something practical for the industry," she says, noting his curiosity and courage.

Signe Hedegaard from the Danish Road Directorate also contributed external expertise. As a BIM/CAD specialist, she commends Silas’ innovative approach:

"Silas has been extremely creative and forward-thinking, producing models that are genuinely interesting for us to emulate," she says:

"It’s highly relevant because the industry is searching for solutions for quantity take-off and traceability. These are major cost items, so accuracy is essential."

Winning the Award for Best Student Project

The significance of Silas Mikkelsen’s use of Item Types in a digital quantity model extends beyond his immediate supervisors and advisors.

Because the solution has the potential to advance digitalization across the construction industry – spanning multiple phases and disciplines – Silas was awarded the Danish Road Sector Prize for Best Student Project 2025, an award for engineering students across Denmark recognizing the best infrastructure project of the year.

"I’m really happy and proud," he says.

Silas believes that if the use of Item Types is standardized and integrated into BIM/ICT agreements, it could become a natural part of future railway and road projects.

"In the long term, digital quantity models with Item Types can reduce errors, improve resource management, and support the sustainability goals of civil engineering projects," he explains.

Silas Mikkelsen now works as a design rail engineer for Banedanmark, a role he assumed after graduating as a civil engineer from the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering at Aarhus University in June 2025.