How can 4D BIM Models increase project efficiency?
Building Information Modeling has been a boon for the construction professionals. It’s 3D visualization, better collaboration and clash detection capabilities has allowed them to increase their productivity and profit margins. But a lot of construction companies are still just using BIM Services in the preconstruction stage only. However, BIM lends benefits that extend well beyond the designing stage to onsite construction and even renovation and facility management.
One area that can be significantly improved by BIM is construction planning. BIM allows to link time related information to the different components of the 3D model. Also, known as construction sequencing it basically adds an extra layer of scheduling data to the intelligent 3D model. It could be a wide range of information like starting and end dates of a construction activity, delivery schedules etc.
There are a variety of reasons why 4D BIM is essential. Below we look at four main reasons why using 4D BIM could prove to be advantageous for the AEC professionals.
1. Optimized project scheduling:
The 4D BIM model provides all the necessary information right from the delivery schedules to execution time of every component, material, part etc. With all the time related information at hand along with the other requisite information like geometry, materials, usage etc. the professionals can ensure that the equipment, materials, ground workers etc. are on site at the exact time of construction or installation. It also allows to convert the 4D model into graphical design so that the scheduled plan can be compared with the actual onsite status and there would be no delays.
2. Detects workflow errors:
BIM Coordination Services can be used to detect all kinds of clashes in the 3D model. One such kind of clash is 4D clash or workflow clash. When all the time related information is available in the 3D model it becomes possible to detect clashes which could be arising with regards to contractor scheduling, equipment or material delivery etc. Detecting these clashes could end up reducing any redundant delays in the project timeline.
3. It is cost-effective:
With 4D BIM it is also possible to generate graphs and data sheet which would lead to greater visibility. It helps the contractors, architects, engineers etc. to set proper deadlines and optimize their resource allocation. It ultimately reduces any extra cost by preemptively detecting scheduling errors. 4D BIM could end up saving a lot of time, resources and ultimately money by detecting workflow errors. For instance, the material delivery could be scheduled later than equipment rental and arrival of onsite laborers. This could increase the cost, the project time etc. The cost of labor, rent and loss of time could all take a big chunk out of the project margins.
4. Increased collaboration and safety:
By providing information about every time related aspect of the project 4D BIM allows the stakeholders to remain on the same page. In fact, each worker involved in the project will remain adequately informed about what area and part he has to work on and when. Secondly it increases safety on two fronts. Firstly, by keeping all the information in one single model which can be accessibly only to required parties the stakeholders can feel a little safer about information being lost or coming in the wrong hands. Secondly, having complete control over the project and knowing every single detail about the project leads to informed decision making and enhanced safety onsite.
Thus, the above four points make a compelling statement as to why the construction professionals should start making use of 4D BIM Services. It could only increase their productivity and help them streamline their construction process.
