3D Planning/Scheduling

In 1997-1998 we used 3D modelling for presenting Spider Project schedules of Olympic Village construction (for the 1st International Youth Games) to Moscow mayor and other top persons in Moscow Government. But construction managers were not enthusiastic about this feature - they explained that Gantt Chart presentation is sufficient for them, they know exactly where each work shall be done. So this tool was not required since then. Now I see that the interest to 3D schedule presentations is growing. So you may expect that the software developers will suggest them soon.
Regards,
Vladimir

In my opinion, 3-D modeling of schedules sounds ‘neat’ but has absolutely no benefit in the real world. What purpose is there in knowing what the structure will look like after 6 months? There has to be a purpose and a reason to develop features and frankly, I can’t imagine one. That is why 3-D schedule modeling is not being used.

First have a need; then develop a product. It does not always work the other way around.

You can try the following links:

Common Point

or

DStudio

There are also some references in papers (please make a search on 4D planning). I think most of these software links with MS Project.

BR

Sorry, wrong link. It should be:

http://www.commompointinc.com

[moderator - I fixed the original links. You need to use double quotes in the html.]

Gents

I believe that Autocad or Microstation have a product call 4-D Drawing

With the 3 diminsion of space plus the time diminsion

However, I think this product is not linkable with any common use planning software.

Cheers

Alex

I saw some introductions before about 4D-design. It is to link design drawings to P3/MSP schedule. The products is from Bentley working with microstation V8

you can visit Bentley’s website for more info.

Hello everyone,

Actually I have been using 4D-5D modeling program for a couple of my current projects. There are many 4D software available in the world. I am using Graphisoft Constructor (4D-5D Simulation), Digital Project (4D-5D Simulation) and NavisWorks (4D Simulation).

From scheduling point of view, Graphisoft Constructor is compatible with Primavera scheduling program. Digital Project and NavisWorks are compatible with both Primavera and MS project planner.

As far as I know, AISC (American Institute of Steel Construction) already published 3D-Model design specification in order to push every construction industry to adopt 3D Model design approach instead of a traditional 2D drawing delivery. In addition, AIA is also trying to publish 3D model design specification soon. They call it as BIM (Building Information Model)

My point is that a lot of construction companies including owner will use 3D-4D-5D modeling and simulation as a standard document delivery method to replace a traditional 2D drawings. I know a lot of problem must be resolved efficiently for 3D-4D-5D simulation, but I believe it is very useful. For example, you don’t need to play an image game to establish your scheduling logic in your head. You can check any interruption and logic with 3D-4D modeling simulation.

Regards,

Paul

Thanks for the information, Paul.
Hopefully in the near future, 3D/4D or 5D will be available in planning/scheduling softwares.

I agree with Paul and I am afraid I don’t agree with Ron on this one. The visualisation of what your project will look like in the future has almost limitless benefits. The most obvious is improving the communication that we as planners and schedulers do as an everyday part of our jobs.

I recently gave a lecture about planning and one of the themes I used was that planners not only need to be good at setting out how and when a project will be constructed, but we must be good at communicating this. Part of our job is to communicate, for without that our work will not be understood. In my view, anything that helps improve this communication is a good thing. I know it might be difficult for some to understand, but a lot of people just don’t understand critical path networks or even barcharts – they just cannot visualise what will be happening in the future from the plans that planners produce. There is no better communication tool than a picture.

I will give you some examples about real projects that we in Mace have used graphical visualisations of our programmes….

1.     The London Eye – an observation wheel erected over the River Thames in central London – we had to explain to contractors, the City authorities, funders, the client and the press how this enormous structure would be constructed horizontally over the river and then lifted to its vertical position.
2.     Airports – demonstrating when and how to construct new aircraft stands in an operating airport environment.
3.     London winning the 2012 Olympics – to explain how the infrastructure and venues would be constructed and when to the International Olympic Committee as part of London’s bid to host the Games. This had to be done in 20 minutes.
4.     City centre projects – on numerous occasions we need to explain to the police and City Authorities how and when complex projects in congested city centre environments will be constructed. We add to these the logistics that will be used to construct the project.
5.     Straightforward office developments. A newer development for us to use graphical visualisations to work out with the specialist trades exactly how a project as simple as an office development will come together. This goes right down to individual components.
6.     Building over railway stations – we use graphical visualisations of the programme to show when the interfaces between construction and the public will be undertaken.

On all of the above projects we used 3D visualisations of the programme. These not only helped the non technical people to understand what would happen and when, but also the contractors, engineers, architects etc.

In the past, this sort of visualisation was produce in 3D manually – which took a great deal of time. Now, we link these 3D visualisations to the programme, so that if the timing of the activities changes (which at concept stage it invariably does), the 3D models are updated automatically. This is a fantastic development and saves considerable time.

There is an enormous market out there for using this type of 4D communication software and the simpler the products become, the more wide spread will their use be.

Gary France
Mace

I think 3D modeling may have added value when it can assist planners/schedulers in analyzing workplace saturation constraints.

Stacy
Participate in the Project Management Knowledge Base!

I agree with Gary
Make it simple so the people can grasp what you are saying.

I have had on numerous occasions the task of explaining projects to councillors, politicians and MPs. They dont want science they want to know what is to be done and how its going to affect the people who they represent.

Modelling in 3D or power point on drawings can bring reality to a Project. It has certainly made the job easier to sell both externally and internally.

I wonder how many of our planners have done any concept or tender planning, here modelling and indeed any method of getting the message across as quickly as possible is essential

Kind regards
Oscar

Another off-shelf product for 4D simulation and visualization - "NavisWork JetStream TimeLiner". It is from UK.

Way to go, does not only help Politicians and non technical people but even the users. It will be easier to see how things progress and possibly identify problems before you get to construction stage.

Dear All

Another tools that we use in some of the bridge projects is call progress cam.

Using a series of fix cameras around the site and taking video picture peroidically.

It captures the "As-built" of the project. A small cost in a big project but a well invested tool when it came to site dispute.

It also help politican to sell the final product.

Alex