Strategic Planning of Work and the Use of 4D BIM for Multiple Floor Buildings

Abstract

The use of 4D BIM has been spreading, with significant scientific production in the area. The advantages of using it are notorious and well documented, highlighting the visualization of the work execution, increasing the comprehension and reliability of the planning. However, the need for 4D BIM support in the correct use of usual planning methods and techniques has been little emphasized and demonstrated in the literature. The study of 4D BIM applications in strategic construction planning has also been poorly documented, with simpler modelling and without the need for significant changes in the usual hiring processes for projects. This article aims to: demonstrate that the use of 4D BIM requires a consistent and reliable planning basis; to propose, based on the context of the Brazilian residential real estate market, a 4D BIM modelling method to support strategic construction planning decisions. In order to meet these objectives, a literature review was made, as well as basic concepts and the presentation of a case study. The case study is the planning of executing a residential complex with three towers of multiple floors, typical of real estate developments in the city of São Paulo. Two plans of attack regarding the execution of the work are simulated and visualized. The results are analysed and discussed based on the literature and conceptual considerations presented. The conclusion was by the feasibility and utility of applying the 4D BIM, considering the adopted assumptions, method and tools used. The main difficulty is the modelling time. This stems not only from the project as a whole, but also from the increase resulting from the modelling of complementary activities, such as wood forms, scaffolding, protection screens, and others. Limitations of the application used were identified. Even so, the expenditure of work is compatible with the final quality of the visualization and the benefits provided to planning and decision making. The method could be used without the need for significant changes in the usual project and planning contracting processes in the real estate market in Brazil. It was confirmed that 4D BIM requires the correct use of the usual planning techniques and tools However, it requires training the planner in 3D modelling and 4D BIM. Recommendations regarding the improvement of the efficiency and quality of modelling are made as well as regarding further studies in the area.