4D simulations are often used to show the construction sequence for an entire project, but shorter simulations that focus on a specific period of time are also useful.
- Can you provide examples of how a simulation that focuses on a 1 or 2 week period could be useful for planning?
A 4D simulation for a full project can give a good general overview of how the structure will end up going up, and can be helpful for communication in more laymans terms. A shorter simulation time of 1-2 weeks can help the engineering/contractor schedule out exactly which element within a floor needs to go up at a time. For example, it may be more critical to put in a certain columns in the structure first, which can be explicitly shown in the smaller period simulation.
What level of detail should be included in a 4D simulation?
- Should you include all of the elements in the building model?
It is important to put main elements that either take up large spaces or large amount of construction time in the 4D simulation. This is because the simulation is mainly showing a progression of construction, so stuff like the internal structural framing are large enough and require enough construction time to show. It is also important because there is a certain sequential order that these structural elements need to go up in for construct ability purposes, which can also be shown in the 4D simulation. Architectural elements like windows and doors could also be good elements to include.
How can model-based quantity takeoff improve the design process?
How can designers improve their designs using the information provided by preliminary estimates of the cost of building their design ideas?
Model-based quantity takeoff is an easy way to make general estimates of main costs in a structure, and can also be easily updated in case there are any intermediate design changes. If working with a specific budget, this quick takeoff method can help keep a design under that budget. This is also helpful because each iteration does not need to be sent off to an estimator to work through in its entirety, and can instead use an overview value.