Design of a 4D Deliverable for Construction Schedule Updates
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Abstract
Advancements in digital technology within the construction industry have significantly impacted the way in which the built environment comes to fruition. The use of 4D technology provides enhanced communication of the plan of action established by the contractor through visualization. 4D animations are created by combining 1D schedule activities and 3D geometries in order to visually depict the entire construction sequence, eliminating the need to be versed in the practice of construction scheduling. While the practice of implementing 4D technology is a common occurrence prior to the start of construction, application decreases greatly once construction begins. Information regarding project status is conveyed through traditional schedule updating methods due to the lack of an appropriate 4D update deliverable and limited technological capabilities. This research has identified the informational and technological needs for the integration of 4D technology into the schedule updating process. Specific objectives were established in order to achieve this goal, beginning with a comprehensive review of the function of a schedule update. Various update users were identified, along with their individual reasons for consulting the update. Information gathered was then used to design an applicable deliverable for 4D construction schedule updates. The result focuses on visual representation of project status through graphical attributes applied to 3D geometries, as well as the ability to digitally navigate within the 4D deliverable. Visual output can be modified by the user to allow for a more in depth analysis of schedule update information. Following the design of the 4D update deliverable, the current 4D technology was assessed to determine capabilities and functionalities. Comparisons were then made between the current capabilities and the proposed design in order to identify discrepancies relating to the ability to produce the desired deliverable. Issues found primarily related to the ability to use status information generated by the update in order to dictate the visual appearance of 3D geometries. While the necessary information is present within the 4D application, functionality necessary to display that information in a visual manner is needed. There is also a need to modify output functionalities that allow the proposed deliverable to be exported from the 4D application and distributed to various users.The results of this research indicate the feasibility of implementing 4D technology into the scheduling updating process via the proposed deliverable. With the addition of the aforementioned functionalities, current 4D technology will be capable of producing a 4D schedule update and will significantly impact the construction industry. The ability to visualize progress will positively alter the way users understand project status and improve the communication between all parties involved.