A quantitative analysis on the feasibility of 4D Planning Graphic Systems versus Conventional Systems in building projects

Abstract

Poor planning of building projects is observed to definitely increase both time consumption and costs. Limitations of existing studies about contrast between BIM 4D methodology and conventional graphic planning, focus on comparing them from a qualitative point of view, without quantifying their real performance. The present paper is aimed at performing a quantitative analysis on BIM 4D methodology as compared to conventional graphic planning. Provided this novel methodology accounts for building elements including technical and visual information, subsequent construction operations would be carried out in a more controlled and a more accurate environment. In particular, a balance between suitable construction data management included in the BIM model and appropriate use of task planning information was analysed. The results show that the integration of BIM in the project execution planning ensures greater control over the model, thus preventing time- and cost-inefficiencies along the project development. Although traditional planning proves to be 20% shorter than 4D simulation, the latter is observed to be 40% more efficient regarding visual monitoring of time progress and also 40% more efficient in the data update process.