Read Top Reasons for Adopting 4D BIM Services on construction projects in USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Sweden, and worldwide.
Adopting 4D BIM Services on construction projects is one of the most effective techniques for improving project & program management.
Construction Management is perhaps the most challenging and complex as compared to other construction activities. It involves external/internal stakeholder management, design coordination, risk management, cost management, and construction law.
Many Architectural, Engineering, and Construction companies are using BIM to control construction costs and time overruns. Many of the big-sized AEC companies have in-house 4D BIM capabilities. However, many medium and small-sized AEC companies outsource 4D BIM services to consultants based in India. Outsourcing 4d scheduling services to consultants based in India offers great flexibility and cost benefits.
4D construction or 4D BIM Services streamline construction activities and allow project managers to make informed decisions in a collaborative yet interactive digital workspace. Successful 4D BIM implementation involves the usage of multiple software with advanced collaborative tools. It is therefore advisable to have well-learned and experienced BIM professionals on the team with expertise in software such as; Revit & Navisworks.
Read this blog post on 4D BIM Services. At the end of this read, you will be able to understand 4D scheduling, how to pick the right software and the benefits of adopting 4D BIM services on construction projects.
Understanding 4D BIM Scheduling and Simulation
4D BIM is the 4th dimension of ‘time’ added to a 3D Architectural or Engineering model. The time data is typically in the form of a Gant Chart and project programs.
“4D BIM Services is the process of integrating timeline of construction activities to the 3D Models for prioritizing construction activities on site and managing potential risks associated with the design”
See below the process of implementing 4D Scheduling and Simulation during design development:
Step-1 : Developing Architectural and Engineering Models before 4D Scheduling
Developing BIM models in Architectural, Structural, and MEP disciplines is the first and foremost step. These models are coordinated and federated to develop a central model. This central model is used for 4D scheduling integration.
Step-2 : Exporting Model in NWC Format
Exporting models in NWC format allows easy import in Navisworks. Navisworks is one of the best tools for integrating 4d scheduling details into the 3d model. There are multiple applications of using Navisworks that we will discuss in the next section.
Step-3 : Adding Time Related Information for 4D Scheduling
You must collect the construction program Gantt Chart from the project manager. This construction schedule is defined according to the 3d model in Navisworks. Each construction element is now being defined with a specific time duration for construction.
Step-4 : 4D Simulation for Design Development Assessment
After each construction activity is defined to the 3d model. The users can ‘play’ a simulation that shows a virtual construction of site activities. This is a powerful tool for prioritizing construction activities and managing the site much before construction.
Which Software to use for 4D BIM Services?
Revit and Naviswoks are perhaps the most effective and widely used software for 4D scheduling services. With a wide range of applications, 4D BIM services are quite commonly used for project and program managers.
Revit offers a great interface for developing 3D Architectural, MEP, and Structural Models. Navisworks provides a platform to assess the design risks and construction activities. Both software together, allow the construction professionals to effectively implement 4D BIM for eliminating potential risks for cost and time overruns.
4 Benefits of Adopting 4D BIM Services on Construction Project
1. Providing Deeper Insight into Construction Activities
4D scheduling provides a virtual representation of the construction simulation in a digital environment. Helping project managers to closely review a particular construction activity. I.e., Erecting columns/beams, excavation, concreting, etc.
2. Better Site Planning through 4D BIM Services
Having the project timeline integrated into the BIM model allows a comprehensive overview of the site and its operations. This allows project stakeholders to identify potential risks on site and take appropriate action before construction.
3. Controlling Construction Cost and Time Overruns
Using 4D BIM Models for analyzing the impact on the real world allows project managers to analyze construction risks involved during construction. This helps them to prioritize the construction activities to avoid redesigning and rebuilding. Hence reducing the chances for cost and time overruns.
4. Superior Program Management using 4D BIM Services
Program managers can rely on 4D Scheduling for organizing and revising their Gantt charts. Using advanced collaborative tools such as BIM 360, helps project stakeholders review the 4D BIM Simulation in a shared workspace.
Hence, allowing project stakeholders to share their suggestions and comments on the 4D BIM Model.
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Devashish Sharma
Devashish is Founder/Director at Cresire where he leads BIM services. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Sheffield and an MSc in Construction Project Management from The University of the West of England. His vision behind CRESIRE is to provide BIM services, adhering to best practices and procedures, to global customers, helping customers to save extensive production costs and overruns.
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