Use nD Models to Surface Design and Schedule Errors
July 31st, 2006 by HalTraditional tools for representing and understanding the whole of a project can overwhelm people with data. A digital construction model can be of great help. Three case studies were pursued to explore the utility.
Multidimensional Modeling: A Mechanism for Improving Construction Project Management
Luis Izaguirre and Luis Alarcon
They reviewed two lines of research: Virtual Design and Construction (Stanford) and nD1 Modelling (Salford Univ). They chose the first approach because the tools are commercially available. They connected this work to the lean construction principles. This allowed them to make assessments of the utility of those principles and to set goals.
Companies need to promote a positive approach to avoid perceptions of punishment when errors are found.
The model allowed them to detect errors in quantities, space, time, and execution strategy. In addition, they incorporated concerns for safety. In another study, just using a 3D model they saved 40% in the schedule along with a reduction of 287 design defects that were resolved before construction.
Use of the multidimensional model offers a simple and transparent coordination, control, and planning process. They found dramatic reductions in variation and uncertainty. Along the way they learned to create 3D models from scratch in short or very reasonable times. Even late interventions with modeling are worthwhile investments.
- Refers to dimensions beyond 3D and 4D (time) to incorporate concerns for safety, operations, maintenance, etc. [ ⇑ back ]
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