Construction projects for 4D construction planning 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 activities to finish the project without any significant delays. The popular 4D 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.
BIM 4D Modeling makes a reliable digital representation of the building available for design decision making, high-quality construction document production, 4D construction planning, and performance predictions, and cost estimates. Having the ability to keep information up-to-date and accessible in an integrated digital environment gives architects, engineers, builders, and owners a clear overall vision of all their projects, as well as the ability to make informed decisions faster.
To get clear idea one has to link 3D model of the structure and construction schedule of the project, so that the status of the project can be easily reviewed in the form of 3D model at any instance of time. The model so developed can assist the planning members in visualizing the details of the construction work at any point of time. This can help them to take better decisions both during the pre and post construction stages. 4D-model construction planning provides a comprehensive information platform for project schedules and site plans to serve the objective of site management and construction planning.
There are various debates in favor and in against BIM but the actual fact is that it introduces an exceptional opportunity for design industry to create a cohesive, holistic virtual building model, information-rich with the emerged contribution of all disciplines. It removes the conflict among services and quick changes as all the engineering information is comprised already within the model.
