Four-dimensional visualization of construction scheduling and site utilization

Abstract

Four-dimensional (4D) models link three-dimensional geometrical models with construction schedule data. The visual link between the schedule and construction site conditions is capable of facilitating decision making during both planning and construction stages. The emphases of these 4D developments have often been placed at the level of construction components. Practical features assisting site management are at times lacking in the following areas: generation of site usage layouts; estimation of quantities of construction materials; and, cost evaluation. In order to pinpoint the above deficiencies, the objective of this work is to enable visual study of the effects of job progress on the logistics and resource schedules. This paper presents a 4D visualization model which is intended both to help construction managers plan day to day activities more efficiently in a broader and more practical site management context, and to thereby add to our knowledge and understanding of the relevance of modern computer graphics to the responsibilities of the construction site manager. A brief site trial of the software is described at the conclusion of the paper.