4D Modeling: Applications and Benefits Martin Fischer Assoc. Prof., Stanford University Director, CIFE Founder, Common Point Technologies, Inc. The big idea: Build virtually before building in reality.
CIFE Overview Started in 1988 Vision: build buildings ahead of time in the computer Civil & Environmental Engineering, Computer Science Industry sponsors Private and public owners AEC service providers Software/hardware Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) Tools Building Information Modeling (3D+) since 1988 Organization-Process Modeling since 1989 4D modeling since 1993 Virtual reality and multi-screen interfaces since 1996 Develop the foundation and prototypes for various modeling, analysis, simulation, visualization tools and their implementation Professional education and Stanford classes on VDC
4D = 3D plus time Types of 4D models: Keyframed (no link to a CPM schedule) 3D model linked to CPM schedule 3D model linked to database Object-based Hierarchical Parametric
4D software and service providers Common Point Bentley Intergraph Navisworks CSA Balfour Technologies Phasing functionality in 3D Studio, Revit, ArchiCAD, etc.
4D Tools: Bentley s Schedule Simulator CPM schedule Schedule Simulator 3D CAD model Schedule activities 3D CAD components 4D simulation
Common Point 4D Interface
ConstructSim (by Common Point) Project Planning & Project Planning & Design Design Automated Automated Task Detailing Task Detailing Work Package Work Package Sequencing Sequencing model shows pipe spool 33-002019- 2/3-5 running through a steel beam Constructability Constructability Analysis Analysis Field Field Execution Execution Design Design Review Review Construction Construction Model Review Model Review
Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis Tools Enable Project Design Conceptual Design Detailed Design and Execution Closeout & Learning 100% Level of Influence Expenditure of Funds Outcome Predictions Project Design Outcome Knowledge 0%
If they could only see it my way...
4D models facilitate communication and make face-to-face meetings more productive CAVE snapshot courtesy of WDI, Glendale, CA, and Mortenson, Minneapolis, MN
4D models help you Confirm your own project plans at the strategic and tactical level Optimize and manage risks by involving other project stakeholders early, often, and as needed Capitalize on learning curve effects by practicing the project virtually Track and monitor project progress Respond to changed conditions and new opportunities
Paradise Pier: gain strategic insight and improve site logistics planning Through 4D modeling we were able to visualize concurrent activities at a macro level. Project Manager, Owner 4D model snapshot courtesy of WDI, Glendale, CA
Benefits of 4D models on Paradise Pier Project Preconstruction Stakeholder involvement More precise specification Bidding Bids back within 2% Contractors understood scope and challenges within 48 hours, could use rest of time to work on bid Construction Reduced change orders (potential for further reduction)
Is this a good schedule?
4D models align work throughout supply chains The 4D model clearly revealed issues ordinarily resulting in rework. AHU cannot be installed at this time.
4D models identify critical interactions between design and construction sequence CPT s 4D models helped create reliable sequences of work that optimize use of resources. Architectural concrete is too late for curtain wall
4D Models help plan construction methods Exploration of different hoisting methods
4D models helped redesign interior scaffolding to shorten construction schedule Scaffolds collided in the original plan
Laydown conflicts with architectural concrete pour
Early Project Planning: US$250M Wastewater Treatment Plant Determine overall construction strategy Communicate strategy to key stakeholders -> get owner buy in -> pull design, procurement work Package construction contracts optimally Set the tone for the project from the start Establish project management framework Win the project US$5,000, 1 week 4D model snapshot courtesy of Mortenson, Seattle, WA 2005 Copyright
Getting the project started right: coordinating with the owner
But you can t put a crane there! 4D model courtesy of DPR, Redwood City, CA
How will we get the concrete back there? 4D model courtesy of DPR, Redwood City, CA
Where can we make up time without tripping over ourselves? 4D model courtesy of DPR, Redwood City, CA
Can we operate on patients next to construction? 4D model courtesy of URS, San Francisco, CA
4D models show actual vs. planned schedules
Benefits of 4D models Better designs and better schedules Improved schedule and cost predictability Reduced change orders (90% reduction in some cases) Fewer requests for information (RFIs) during construction (up to 60% reduction observed so far) Increased productivity and less rework Improved communication from owner to subcontractors and suppliers
Use and implementation issues Schedule pressures increasing 4D coordination and communication is valuable for everybody 4D models have a profound effect on the team to recognize where the major project risks will manifest themselves Validate thinking of team of real critical path Begin 4D modeling at time of capital expenditure authorization Validate early on that thinking of overall sequencing is correct
Use and implementation issues 4D models highlight sloppy business practice possible in 2D -> dialog needed is painful but very valuable (e.g., naming convention) Design professionals are not used to producing documents that are based on sequence of events The better the schedule the easier the 4D model Schedulers are magicians in organization, but communication is poor 4D modeling process is as important as the result Need a manager and an engineer to point to
Ahhh, I see, you have been talking about that part
Some misconceptions about 4D models I need to have a detailed 3D model for 4D modeling Don t have to do everything in 3D to do 4D 4D modeling is not a 3D initiative, it is a scheduling initiative 4D modeling is very time-consuming RFP model in 1 week but possible in 24 hours, project model in 30-60 days Learning curve is high for scheduler: a couple of weeks to understand relationships between schedule and 3D model and to learn 4D software project management: a few days clients/audience: quick education on what they are looking at 3D coordination is good enough every project comes down to construction sequencing to make the project feasible or economical
Assessing the value of 4D models If people see a problem and resolve it right away (which can be done with 4D models) people don t notice the value Use of 4D models at strategic level -> difficult to quantify value, can only quantify value at tactical level Best solutions come from involvement of facility users, designers, and contractors from the start
Design, manufacture, assemble: Co-create the detailed design and construction operations design Pictures courtesy of Strategic Project Solutions, San Francisco, CA
Sharing of building information models (product model exchange) during schematic design Stru ctura l E ng inee r Ar c hit ec t Me cha nica l Gen eral C Des igne r ontra ctor
Parametrically designed and detailed bathrooms for refurbishment projects at Heathrow airport Snapshots courtesy of MACE, London, UK
Automated design of bathroom refurbishment for Terminal 1 at Heathrow (MACE) Pictures courtesy of MACE, UK
Day-by-day Schedules as 4D Models
Working together in the CIFE iroom Comparison of project scenarios with two 4D models, MS Project schedule, and the CIFE Time Controller 4D models and schedule courtesy of DPR Construction, Inc., Redwood City, CA
How will you work in 2006, 2015? Martin Fischer, Stanford University fischer@stanford.edu, +1 (650) 725-4649 http://www.stanford.edu/~fischer