Can you guarantee that the completed building will match the performance predicted by the analysis in its day-to-day operations?
- Why or why not?
When choosing settings for each of the building performance factors, should you always choose the setting that gives the absolute lowest predicted energy use?
How can you use Insight feedback to make design choices regarding materials, lighting, PV, etc.?
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 can be useful for purposes of specific planning. For example, on my 4D simulation, I included the footings construction with a duration of 1 week aprox, and the simulation considers that all foundations get built at the same time theoretically, which is not true. If we rather focus on simulating this specific week, we can determine which foundations to build first and which ones next, define a sequence of progress and even assign different crews and materials to this specific tasks. We can even consider that, as an example, when some foundations are completed and other ones are being built, steel columns can begin to be placed on the completed foundations, which allows for a greater level of detail in our planning.
What level of detail should be included in a 4D simulation?
- Should you include all of the elements in the building model?
The level of detail will depend on the purposes of the simulation. If the simulation is being used by the contractor for purposes of planning, only the elements that are going to be built are required. Structural components shall be included, along with the main nonstructural components. Very detailed elements (finishes, furniture, etc) don’t need to be included as they are not likely to have a significant impact on the project schedule.
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?
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?
Preliminary estimates are very useful as they allow the designers to have an idea of the cost of the project at an early stage. If this cost is over the project budget, the project can be changed in terms of its structure, distribution, size, etc, allowing to be more economically feasible. It is always cheaper to make changes in the project at early stages.