4D construction sequencing

  What is 4D Construction Sequencing? 4D Construction Sequencing combines 3D models with Project Programmes, creating an intelligent visual construction timeline. 4D Construction sequencing is the best tool for on-site construction. Understanding the construction phase-by-phase timeline and schedule is made easier by this procedure. BIM technology has evolved to be revolutionary and is very far-flung in the construction industry. Earlier we talked about the Scope and Benefits of BIM in BIM Levels and Dimensions Explained. This article will discuss in depth the application and benefits of 4D BIM Dimension in construction which has the element of Time (Schedule) added and is also known as Construction Sequencing or Scheduling. 4D Construction Scheduling – How to keep your construction projects on schedule? Traditional project management scheduling techniques and sequencing techniques in construction used 2D bar charts or graphs like Gantt Charts to illustrate production schedules or sequences. However, these traditional methods have more challenges and less benefits for the AEC industry. They were lengthy, unorganized, and overwhelming to read and visualize. Moreover, it was mismanaged and not an efficient way of communication among stakeholders. These formats limit team members to look and review their individual activities in a project and doesn’t inspire team collaboration.  The construction scenario is rapidly evolving from 2D-based drawings to 3D models. Technologies like BIM have enabled builders and contractors to virtually illustrate and analyze a building or facility in its conceptual design stage even before the real construction begins. Therefore, leveraging BIM technology allows better communication, efficient decision making, on-time delivery of projects, and ultimately saving on cost. 4D BIM: Importance of Scheduling in Construction Projects. 4D Scheduling or 4D BIM Scheduling in construction is the combination of traditional project management scheduling techniques with BIM. 4D BIM allows the use of a parametric 3D model to auto-generate traditional building documents such as plans, sections, elevations, details, and schedules & sequences. It further facilitates efficient & active participation and collaboration among all the stakeholders involved in a project. 4D Modeling Steps 1. Information Gathering It is very important to collect and coordinate data exchange right away from the initial stage of the project. Project Kick-off meetings serve as good platform to involve all the stakeholders and ensure that everyone understands their roles & responsibilities, the purpose of the 4D model, schedule & sequence for integration, and efficient communication & collaboration.  2. Model Creation Following the Information gathering, all the information goes through the planning process that connects the project development activities described in time schedules with 3D models to create a digital simulation of construction progress against time.  3. Model Analysis The construction schedule should be regularly reviewed and updated by the project team. The review should ensure that the modeling serves the purpose of the project, comprises all the necessary components of the schedule, the model is as per plan, LOD is accurate in the model and the model is easy to understand.  4. 4D Phasing & Simulation This is a process of combining the 3D BIM Model with time and computing the schedule data with various elements of the BIM model. A plan is then developed with stage by stage simulation of the project activities. COLLABORATE Together, COORDINATE Better