Four-Dimensional Visualization of Construction Scheduling and Site Utilization

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Four-Dimensional Visualization of Construction
Scheduling and Site Utilization

• K. W. Chau M. Anson and J. P. Zhang

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Outline

• Abstract
• Introduction to 4D
• Example case
• The developed system
• Conclusion and discussion

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Abstract

• Site management are at times lacking in the
  following areas
• generation of site usage layouts
• estimation of quantities of construction
  materials
• cost evaluation
• The objective of this work is to enable visual
  study of the effects of job progress on the
  logistics and resource schedules.

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(1) Introduction to 4D

• What is different in the before?
• Why we need 4D?

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State of construction before

• A major characteristic of a contemporary
  construction project is its complex and
  multidisciplinary nature.
• That for most construction projects, the clients
  requirements are still represented in terms of
  paper-based working drawings.

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Site planning

• In this process, planners have to take into
  consideration practical construction sequence,
  proper workspace logistics, and feasible resource
  allocation, and the use of site space.
• In practice, the initial site layout drawings
  that show the site organization and utilization
  are normally not updated as construction
  progresses.

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State of computer tools before

• contemporary computer-aided tools including bar
  charts or critical path method network charts can
  only represent the schedule, but not the spatial
  features or the associated resource requirements.
• Visual representations of the project at
  different instants cannot be provided
• project progress
• status of site space usage

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Site management
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Tradition
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4D
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(2) Example case

• The system developed in this research

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Building background

• Tradeport Logistic Center
• a three-story warehouse building site
• during the actual construction of the project, in
  order to verify and validate its performance in
  real practice.
• The construction period for the structural works
  was from January to October 2002.
• The client, The Hong Kong Land Company Limited
• The contractor, Gammon Skanska Limited

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Input of building story
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Input data of various elements and their
relationships
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Input of segment and associated scheduling
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Some predefined templates of construction
activities
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4D visualization linking 3D geometrical model
with schedule
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4D state being updated
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4D visualization on projected data
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(3) The system developed in this research

• How to develop this system?
• What is the system architecture?

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Characteristics of 4D Visualization Model in this
research

• Generation 4D visualization model
• 3D geometrical model
• associated schedule of activities.
• to enhance its capability to carry out useful
  site management functions over different spatial
  and temporal domains.
• visualized planning
• Analysis for each activity, material allocation,
  and cost breakdown.

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Bidirectional Data Exchange between 3D Model
andSchedule

• This model allows bidirectional data exchange
  between the 3D geometrical model and the project
  schedule.
• to update the construction plan either through
• 3D graphical environment
• bar chart scheduling environment.
• If the timing of a certain activity is modified
  graphically on the screen, synchronized
  adjustment of that activity will be made
  automatically to the bar schedule

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Architecture of 4D Visualization Model
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Architecture of 4D Visualization Model

• 4D Visualization Module with AutoCAD ObjectARX
• Construction Processor with Visual C
• Key instrument for changing data
• 3D Geometrical Model under AutoCAD Environment
• Bar Chart Scheduling with Microsoft Project
• Data Warehouse with Microsoft OLAP
• User Interface with Visual C

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(4) Conclusion and discussion

• It is almost to end.
• Wake up and wait to finish class.

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Conclusions

• a prototype 4D visualization model has been
  developed
• This 4D visualization model
• activity schedule
• associated allocation of resources
• layout of site facilities at any projected
  instant.
• resulting in a user-friendly and integrated site
  management tool.

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Discussion

• This system are bonded with AutoCad and Microsoft
  project. If we want to sell this system, how can
  we deal with the license problem?
• Did you have any suggestion for this system? How
  do you think of an online version of 4D software?