Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a modern approach to design and manage digital representation of the building construction process. BIM technology has changed the way builders design and builds buildings in recent times. It also helps in effectively utilize critical resources like labor, material and time during the building construction life cycle.
Construction projects are scheduled according to availability of resources and depend on many external factors. As the time progresses these parameters also change and hence it is important to keep a check on important activities to finish the project without any significant delays. The popular 3D building information model does not help in establishing relationship between the schedule and sequence of construction activities to be carried out during the project execution. A 4D model incorporates time as added 4th dimension and hence improves quality and accuracy of the entire building life cycle management.
Following are mentioned major benefits of using 4D model during construction planning:
• Improved reliability and scheduling efficiency: 4D model enables a project team to easily visualize time constraints and opportunities of improvement in the project schedule, as well as recognizing where the major challenge will come in their way.
• Optimum use of critical resources: 4D model allows the team member to more easily understand the scope of work and access to various resources over a period of time. This allows the member to visually review and evaluate whole construction plan and optimize the resources and labor accordingly.
• Improved communication: During construction phase potential spatial conflicts may arise between building components. These conflicts are very hard to identify when coordination is performed using 2D or 3D layouts. The use of 4D model greatly enhances this coordination process. In addition, the overall communication of project scope and sequencing is greatly improved.
A 4D Model provides graphically rich and animated illustration of construction sequence against time. Also, once a 3-D model is prepared, the 4-D model can be generated relatively cheaply giving you additional benefits from the investment made in producing 3-D model. 4D modeling has found its use not only for residential projects but also for commercial buildings like theaters, museums, hospitals and technology parks.
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