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 shorter simulation would allow you to compartmentalize the building process. Longer simulations a required to see the overall building process but these shorter periods can be useful to help model specific details for smaller amounts of time. It all really depends on the amount of detail is needed and shorter period simulations allow for greater detail
What level of detail should be included in a 4D simulation?
- Should you include all of the elements in the building model?
It all depends on what time period the specific simulation you are showing focuses on. As mentioned earlier when showing a long-term simulation not as much detail will be needed while when showing a short-term simulation more detail would be wanted. It also depends on the purpose of the simulation. If you are using a simulation to help plan how the overall building will go you might want less detail but if you are using it to help plan the specific building steps you will want to use more detail
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?
The information provided by preliminary estimates of the cost of a building design allows the designer to gauge whether or not their building will work in practice. It gives them insight into the potential cost of making the building, allowing to make edits to either reduce the cost when it is to much or to increase the cost if the budget for their specific building hasn’t been met. Conceptual models are good but they might stay only a concept if the cost isn’t manageable.