Module 9 - Points to Ponder

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 simulation for a 1-2 week timescale might be useful for project managers when planning on-the-ground workflows as well as understanding the order in which materials should be received, processed, and installed. It also might be helpful when considering the context and location the building is being constructed during, including considerations for weather, holidays(?), traffic patterns, materials’ setting times, etc.

How can the feedback shown in a 4D simulation help you to optimize the project schedule?

• What are the main benefits of linking model elements to the project schedule?
• Visually seeing the construction of a building in 4D oftentimes allows you to notice things about your project that could be optimized or that need to be corrected altogether. You might realize that two elements of your building construction are able to happen in tandem, saving time. Or, alternatively, you might receive supplementary information from a project manager, general contractor, etc. saying that a material shipment has been delayed or a piece of equipment is down, thus requiring updates to the project schedule and model. Having the two be linked together allows for accurate, up-to-date information to be communicated to all stakeholders.

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?

Designers can utilize initial cost breakdowns from their building analyses to quickly see what elements are taking up more/less of the budget and build time. Once there is an initial understanding of a standard building construction process, you can start to optimize and make changes to what suits the project team and client’s needs. Additionally, preliminary estimates are just that, preliminary. Designers can update costs to reflect more accurate details about the building and clarify assumptions made by the software to present final costs more accurately for the project team and client.