4D BIM for General Contractors.docx

4D BIM for General Contractors

In the AEC industry, cost-effective of projects completion may be the main role of contractors. Generally, contractors behave as project managers. Some of their most important responsibilities include studying project-specific documents made by architectural practices, trying to get site permits and regional licenses, day-to-day site surveying, project cost estimation, time and schedule monitoring, and liaising with multiple electrical services plumbing, specialists, disciplines and consisting of mechanical.

Since contractors (main contractors) bear the ultimate risk for timely completion of they appreciate greater predictability, on and projects-time implementation. These factors are very important to effective and profitable construction of large projects. Needless to say, adding a fourth dimension of time scheduling to 3D BIM models can help contractors and all discipline-specific subcontractors involved in the project.

While the 3D building information modeling (BIM) concept has been widely accepted by general contractors (main contractors) worldwide, few have realised the benefits of adding 4D scheduling to BIM models actually. 4D BIM, referred to as simulation-based modeling also sometimes, plays an integral part in construction planning whilst helping contractors and related project teams to evaluate the impact of design features on the construction schedule and workflow.

In 4D modeling, a BIM software application such as Autodesk Revit is bidirectionally linked to a project management application like Microsoft Project to monitor the progress of the project. Alternatively, 3D BIM models crafted from Autodesk Revit are combined with the Autodesk Navisworks TimeLiner tool to produce 4D simulations of in the offing construction processes and sequences.

For contractors (main contractors), the 4D models shall help them create a virtual mock-up of the entire construction system design, identify workflow-based clashes, and manage the supply chain for materials and labour personnel needed on site.

Virtual mock-ups, called sequence-based simulations also, can help contractors communicate excessively complex processes to the entire team whilst improving productivity on site. As an overall total result, projects get implemented within the required time. Additionally , main contractors can identify time and workflow-based clashes from 4D models which makes planning materials, equipment, and multidisciplinary personnel in a constrained time and space convenient highly.

Whilst 4D BIM modeling necessitates certain adjustments to the models in a way that they align as close to the actual conditions, the ultimate output is more than worth this effort. Furthermore, the contractors can test various "what if" scenarios and make improvements if needed. Summarising, the simulation of varied construction sequences vis-à-vis their in the offing time frames enables the general contractors (main contractors) to make effective quick, decisions and informed. This decision-making advantage and greater predictability offered by 4D modeling results in on-time and cost-effective project completion.