Construction scheduling and sequencing through 4D BIM accelerated project completion of student’s dorm in the US by 4 weeks

Project Samples.

Planned construction schedule

Snapshot of construction sequence

Challenges.

The 3D BIM models did not give any specifications regarding construction sequencing. The BIM team at HitechDigital needed to gather relevant information from stakeholders which posed challenges such as:

• Tedious and time taking coordination regarding work progress and resource management
• Getting clarity in timelines for various project milestones and completion

Solution.

The team delivered a 4D BIM scheduler video in Navisworks that clearly depicted a stage-wise timeline for construction of student’s dormitory. This fourth dimension of scheduling and sequencing added visibility into the project progress, improved collaboration across stakeholders, drove seamless onsite resource management and most importantly enabled timely project completion.

Approach.

The client shared a coordinated 3D BIM model with the project team. They also shared individual BIM models of architectural, structural and MEPF disciplines for communication of better design intent.

• Team studied all the inputs to understand design intent and set out the milestones for the project
• A standard system of nomenclature for all model elements was adopted for easy retrieval of parts and to remove any ambiguity
• Using Navisworks Manage module, a sequential timeliner video was created to simulate construction schedules. Factors such as resource availability, spatial constraints, and project activities were taken into account
• A stringent quality check process was put in place to ensure construction process sequences and zero conflicts
• Finally, all documents and drawings for construction sequencing were also extracted phase wise from the model and shared with the client for easier referencing and better project management