Using “Choosing by Advantages” and 4D Models to Select the Best Construction-Flow Option in a Residential Building

Abstract

In Peru, construction planners use 2D drawings and do quantity take-off by hand when scheduling structural work. However, selecting the best construction-flow option is usually point-based and does not follow a comprehensive method. This paper describes a teaching strategy that was used to choose the best construction-flow option for a residential building by means of the Choosing by Advantages (CBA) and 4D models in two Construction Management courses at the School of Civil Engineering at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru. First, a workshop was held to assess the improvement in understanding of the construction flow when 4D models are used with undergraduate students. A survey, including student perceptions before and after the deployment of 4D models, was conducted. Using a paired T-Test, it was concluded that there is significant improvement in visualization and process-clash detection when 4D models are used. Second, Master's students designed four different construction-flow options during structural work using Takt-time schedules and 4D models. These tools allowed students to visualize the construction flow, identify process clashes, and retrieve information from the BIM model. The workshop simulated a CBA decision-making meeting to choose the most advantageous alternative. The success of the workshop was reflected in the improved collaboration and the transparency of the decision-making process.