4d Scheduling the Future of Planning?
4D Scheduling; The Future of Planning?
The purpose of this paper is to provide the reader with an understanding of the concept of 4D Scheduling, how and where it is used, whether it is currently of benefit to the construction industry and can it revolutionise planning in a positive manner for small, medium and large scale construction Projects.
What is it?
4D Scheduling is a Programme which allows the Project Plan to interface with 3D software and build a live model which displays the Project Progress in real time. The 4D planning tool is used at Tender and Preconstruction stages, kept live throughout the project and reviewed upon completion to assess Project Success.
To understand how the Programme interfaces and accurately reflects progress we first need to define and understand Building Information Modelling.
Building Information Modelling is a building design and documentation system based on coordinated, reliable, high quality information. This system enables the design and construction teams to create and manage information about a project consistently and reliably across the scope of the project. This information is stored in a unique model which ensures the information is coordinated, consistent and complete.
Traditionally Building Projects were illustrated with manually created drawings, information was added to these illustrations by using motes and specifications. As CAD technology progressed this system became automated, though the output remained the same. The development of the Building Information Modelling methodology has created a new way of thinking and working. It gives us ability to model with objects and minimizes tedious drafting by allowing one 3D object handle multiple 2D representations when placed in an object. The coordinated data represented in the model allows us to visualize and analyse designs and make better informed decisions.
Building Information modelling supports large team workflows to improve project understanding and
The purpose of this paper is to provide the reader with an understanding of the concept of 4D Scheduling, how and where it is used, whether it is currently of benefit to the construction industry and can it revolutionise planning in a positive manner for small, medium and large scale construction Projects.
What is it?
4D Scheduling is a Programme which allows the Project Plan to interface with 3D software and build a live model which displays the Project Progress in real time. The 4D planning tool is used at Tender and Preconstruction stages, kept live throughout the project and reviewed upon completion to assess Project Success.
To understand how the Programme interfaces and accurately reflects progress we first need to define and understand Building Information Modelling.
Building Information Modelling is a building design and documentation system based on coordinated, reliable, high quality information. This system enables the design and construction teams to create and manage information about a project consistently and reliably across the scope of the project. This information is stored in a unique model which ensures the information is coordinated, consistent and complete.
Traditionally Building Projects were illustrated with manually created drawings, information was added to these illustrations by using motes and specifications. As CAD technology progressed this system became automated, though the output remained the same. The development of the Building Information Modelling methodology has created a new way of thinking and working. It gives us ability to model with objects and minimizes tedious drafting by allowing one 3D object handle multiple 2D representations when placed in an object. The coordinated data represented in the model allows us to visualize and analyse designs and make better informed decisions.
Building Information modelling supports large team workflows to improve project understanding and
Links: the 4D model, provides guidance to both the Scheduler and 3D Modeller for updates. Project Stakeholders; Provide inputs on their own requirements and constraints at different stages of the project. Project Manager; Though the Project manager does not require direct operational input or control of the 4D Model, they need to consider and understand a number of crucial factors; Software Integration; Some 4D Software may only support certain formats of schedules and models. The project team should be confident that the 3D model and the supporting schedule are compatible and can be imported to the relevant 4D software. Interface Issues; It is not a necessity for all stakeholders to create and edit the 4D model but it is beneficial for all stakeholders to view teh progressing model. Stakeholders may be allowed to view only teh required aspects of teh model which affects their work. This can be done by creating basic video files or animations that can be viewed by basic media players. Thus reducing teh outlay for smaller subcontractors on expensive software packages or licences where they may not be entirely required.