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4D Modeling:Applications and Benefits
Martin FischerAssoc. Prof., Stanford University
Director, CIFEFounder, Common Point Technologies, Inc.
The big idea:Build virtually before building in reality.
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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
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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
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4D software and service providers
• Common Point• Bentley• Intergraph• Navisworks• CSA• Balfour Technologies• Phasing functionality in 3D Studio, Revit,
ArchiCAD, etc.
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4D Tools: Bentley’s Schedule Simulator
Schedule Simulator 3D CAD model
3D CAD components
4D simulation
Scheduleactivities
CPM schedule
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ConstructSim (by Common Point)
Construction Model Review
Construction Model Review
Project Planning &Design
Project Planning &Design Work Package
Sequencing
Work Package Sequencing
Field Execution
Field Execution
Design Review
Design Review
Automated Task Detailing
Automated Task Detailing
model shows pipe spool 33-002019-2/3-5 running through a steel beam
Constructability Analysis
Constructability Analysis
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Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis Tools Enable “Project Design”
0%
100%
Level of InfluenceLevel of Influence
ConceptualDesign
Detailed Design and Execution
Closeout &Learning
Expenditure of Funds Expenditure of Funds
OutcomeKnowledgeProject DesignOutcome
Predictions
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4D models facilitate communication and make face-to-face meetings more productive
CAVE snapshot courtesy of WDI, Glendale, CA, and Mortenson, Minneapolis, MN
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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
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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
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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)
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4D models align work throughout supply chains
“The 4D model clearly revealed issues ordinarily resulting in rework.”
AHU cannot be installed at this time.
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Architectural concrete is too late for curtain wall
4D models identify critical interactions between design and construction sequence
“CPT’s 4D models helpedcreate reliable sequences of work that optimize use of resources.”
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4D models helped redesign interior scaffolding to shorten construction schedule
Scaffolds collided in the original plan
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Early Project Planning: US$250M Wastewater Treatment Plant
Determine overall construction strategyCommunicate strategy to key stakeholders
-> get owner buy in-> pull design, procurement work
Package construction contracts optimallySet the tone for the project from the startEstablish project management framework Win the project
US$5,000, 1 week
4D model snapshot courtesy of Mortenson, Seattle, WA
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How will we get the concrete back there?
4D model courtesy of DPR, Redwood City, CA
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Where can we make up time without tripping over ourselves?
4D model courtesy of DPR, Redwood City, CA
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Can we operate on patients next to construction?
4D model courtesy of URS, San Francisco, CA
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Design, manufacture, assemble:Co-create the detailed design and construction
operations design
Pictures courtesy of Strategic Project Solutions, San Francisco, CA
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Sharing of building information models (product model exchange) during schematic design
Mechanical Designer
StructuralEngineer
ArchitectGeneral Contractor
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Parametrically designed and detailed bathrooms for refurbishment projects at Heathrow airport
Snapshots courtesy of MACE, London, UK
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Automated design of bathroom refurbishment for Terminal 1 at Heathrow (MACE)
Pictures courtesy of MACE, UK
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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
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How will you work in 2006, 2015?
Martin Fischer, Stanford [email protected], +1 (650) 725-4649http://www.stanford.edu/~fischer