About AEODC

AEODC is a promising player in the global AEC industry providing Virtual Design & Construction services to our clients worldwide using BIM technology. Our team of architects and engineers, with a combined experience of more than 2 decades, is well-versed with the global industry standards and deliver quality projects to our clients located across the world.

Our operations are spread over United States, Canada and India with an expansion into the European market in the works.

Why 4D BIM is the Best Thing that Happened to the AEC Industry

Despite contributing 13% of the global GDP, the AEC industry has experienced a growth of only 1% in the past two decades. In an industry that should belong to innovation and breakthroughs, Cost and schedule overruns are making headlines instead. On average, a construction project gets delayed by more than 20 months, and costs 80% more than the original estimate. These trends are the result of the inefficiencies in traditional workflows. To make up for the inefficiencies, the construction industry is undergoing a digital revolution. BIM is being integrated with ‘Time’ as the fourth dimension – 3D Model + Time = 4D BIM. Softwares like Navisworks allow the scheduling and tracking of project progress with respect to time.

But, what is 4D BIM and how does it help the AEC industry become better?
Let’s find out.

What is 4D BIM?

4D BIM is the process of adding scheduling data to a 3D BIM model. It’s called ‘construction sequencing’,and is customizable to different project components. The model then reflects the construction process; a step-by-step guide for tracking the project’s progress. Using 4D BIM the stakeholders can visualize the project at any stage. They get a detailed overview of what happens (or will happen) on-site.

Once Upon a Time– The Evolution of 4D BIM

Source:South Bay Construction

The idea of ‘Time’ as the fourth dimension is the scientific backing that explains Einstien’s theory of relativity. An object not only moves in three dimensions but also through time. If the characteristics of an object are described using 3 dimensions – length, breadth, and height (x, y & z), it is incomplete without factoring in ‘time’. It is not just ‘where?’, but also ‘when?’

This concept applies to construction as well. While storing all building information in one place, how can we miss out on time?

Until a few decades ago, the construction workflow included creating project schedules manually. Someone had to keep up with all the stages of the progress, record it and communicate to the stakeholders.

In 2007, Autodesk suggested a bidirectional link between Revit and MS Project for planning and scheduling. An application that interprets time as a dimension to integrate it with the 3D BIM model. Revit modeling components could be categorized by a start and an end date. Later that year, the company purchased NavisWorks.

Why 4D BIM | 7 Benefits of 4D BIM

1. Visualization of the project lifecycle

4D BIM is the visualization of the project construction lifecycle – earlier in the form of charts and notes – as a virtual model. Construction sequencing software like Navisworks also allows the comparison of present conditions with the original construction plan to ensure consistency.

2. Planning & Management

The greatest advantage of knowing what’s about to happen is the ability to plan for it. 4D BIM helps with clash detection and prevents mistakes before construction starts.

3. Everyone is Up-to-date

Source: freepik

As simple as it sounds, one of the hardest tasks in a project is keeping everyone on the same page. This process usually demands endless meetings and countless conversations on the phone. 4D BIM resolves this issue gracefully. Cloud collaboration provides real-time upgrades of the project status to all the stakeholders.

4. No More Conflicts

Sharing building information in the form of 3D models through a CDE means no more conflicts. Information models with an added layer of scheduling mean transparency and accountability for the entire project. With instant updates and clash coordination, changes are immediately communicated, allowing faster resolution.

5. Monitoring

Tracking projects on-site is a cumbersome task, especially if done by pen-and-paper methods. 4D BIM also offers construction sequence animation to track materials and activities on-site. It makes monitoring the project status much more convenient.

6. Cost Efficient

Improved efficiency and collaboration lead to great savings. 4D BIM provides better insights, ensuring cost optimization throughout the project lifecycle.

7. Improved Safety

Source: Traxxeo

Simply by the virtue of knowledge, construction sequencing allows full control over the project. The stakeholders are aware of every detail of the project including the location of materials, machinery, and workers.
4D BIM ensures on-site safety by virtually tracking the project progress beforehand through a data-driven approach.

Managing the 4th Dimension | 4-steps to 4D BIM

Creating a 4D BIM model is not a herculean task. It’s achievable in four simple steps:

Step 1: Gather Data

Collect and verify everything related to project design and scheduling.

Step 2: Make a 3D Model

Create a 3D BIM model of the project, and verify it for the LOD and accuracy.

Step 3: Scheduling in 3D

Add scheduling data to all components of the 3D model using scheduling tools like Navisworks.

Step 4: 4D BIM!

The plan and design elements are now developed by stage, according to the construction process. Cross-refer with on-site progress and activities and update accordingly.

It’s Time for 4D BIM

Adding time as a dimension to the 3D BIM model improves the construction process manyfold. 4D BIM reduces inefficiencies in the process and facilitates better interaction and coordination. Moreover, scheduling software like Navisworks brings significant value to the process.

With its clear advantages in the AEC industry, it is high time to integrate 4D BIM into the project management process. That said, tools like NavisWorks only allow you to integrate a 3D model with the project schedule.
The BIM team needs to have an in-depth understanding of project scheduling and management in order to set up an optimal workflow. The 3D BIM Model itself should be detailed and precise.

BIM makes life easy, but this level of sophistication also requires a skilled team and an optimized workflow. The BIM dimensions bring all the information to a single source. However, only a team of skilled professionals with an in-depth understanding of design and construction can make it all happen.

FAQs: 4D Simulation

1. What are the benefits of 4D simulation?

Better savings, faster results.
Improved Construction Quality.
Mitigation of risk.
Clash-detection.

2. What is construction sequencing?

Construction sequencing in 4D BIM is the integration of the project schedule with the 3D model for visualization of the construction progress with time.

3. What is 4D BIM simulation?

It is the combination of 3D models with site surveys, programs, and construction sequences. Simply put, 3D Model + Time = 4D BIM.

4. What is the purpose of 4D?

4D combines the project schedule with the 3D model. This allows for better time management, engagement, communication, and decision-making.

5. What are the advantages of using Modeling and simulation?

Cheaper and safer than real-world prototyping
Useful in detecting unexpected problems.
Easy to visualize and change.
Allows an overview of the complete project lifecycle.

Author

Kamaljeet S Marwah

About the Author

Having around two decades of AEC Industry experience, Kamaljeet aims for AEODC to serve a purpose in current digital revolution Global AEC Industry is experiencing. His first experience implementing BIM technology was in Year 2008 while working on Design and Construction of worlds largest and busiest airport situated in the Capital of India - Delhi International Airport T3. Since then, Kamaljeet is a strong believer that global construction Industry needs the much needed digital transformation.

He completed his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from BIT Mesra, Ranchi, followed by MBA from Schulich School of Business, York University, Toronto specializing in Corporate Finance and Strategic Management.

Date

January 10, 2023

The four pillars on which AEODC stands

Quality
- Client satisfaction is the topmost priority at AEODC.
- We have a rigorous quality control process throughout the project lifecycle with special attention to complete transparency.
- Our team goes above and beyond the client expectations as our end goal is not only to deliver quality but also to add value to the project by providing intelligent solutions.
Accuracy
- Our clients choose us for our knowledge – our team focuses on accuracy as much as it does on quality – after all what is quality without accuracy, right?
- Our submissions are detailed and aim to accurately capture the client requirements – the stated, the evident and the imperceptible.
- Our quality control process has built-in checks & balances to ensure overall accuracy of the project.
Commitment
- Our team adheres to a very high professional standard of excellence while staying committed to the core values of AEODC as well as our clients.
- Our commitment is not only to deliver a quality product but do it within the promised timeframe, every time – ‘consistency’ is key to commitment.
Communication
- The key to any successful relationship is effective communication and at AEODC, we do just that – staying connected with clients, providing accurate timely updates and actively listening to them throughout the project lifecycle.
- Communicating openly with our clients helps build trust and a deeper understanding of our clients’ requirements.
- Proactive communication not only assists us in delivering at par with our clients’ requirement but exceed their expectations time & again.

Quality
- Client satisfaction is the topmost priority at AEODC.
- We have a rigorous quality control process throughout the project lifecycle with special attention to complete transparency.
- Our team goes above and beyond the client expectations as our end goal is not only to deliver quality but also to add value to the project by providing intelligent solutions.
Accuracy
- Our clients choose us for our knowledge – our team focuses on accuracy as much as it does on quality – after all what is quality without accuracy, right?
- Our submissions are detailed and aim to accurately capture the client requirements – the stated, the evident and the imperceptible.
- Our quality control process has built-in checks & balances to ensure overall accuracy of the project.

Commitment
- Our team adheres to a very high professional standard of excellence while staying committed to the core values of AEODC as well as our clients.
- Our commitment is not only to deliver a quality product but do it within the promised timeframe, every time – ‘consistency’ is key to commitment.
Communication
- The key to any successful relationship is effective communication and at AEODC, we do just that – staying connected with clients, providing accurate timely updates and actively listening to them throughout the project lifecycle.
- Communicating openly with our clients helps build trust and a deeper understanding of our clients’ requirements.
- Proactive communication not only assists us in delivering at par with our clients’ requirement but exceed their expectations time & again.

Client satisfaction is the topmost priority at AEODC.
We have a rigorous quality control process throughout the project lifecycle with special attention to complete transparency.
Our team goes above and beyond the client expectations as our end goal is not only to deliver quality but also to add value to the project by providing intelligent solutions.