4D CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULING SYSTEM

Abstract

This dissertation evaluates 4-Dimensional (4D) scheduling system, in the context of the construction industry in Singapore. 4D scheduling system consist of 3D building models with the additional dimension of time, to produce a graphical and visual simulation of the construction process in accordance with project schedule. This thesis focuses on understanding the potential of 4D technology, level of acceptance in local context and means to improve and promote the adoption of this new technology. Some of the advantages of the 4D scheduling system over conventional scheduling system include aligning stakeholders’ understanding of the project and improving communication with the visual aid, allowing more construction process alternatives to be examined, identifying conflicts through interference analysis and integration of the entire project workflow. Experiments involving construction professionals were conducted in order to compare 4D scheduling system with conventional ones. Divided into two groups, the test subjects are required to identify specific construction activities, activities’ location, and construction sequence, using their assigned scheduling system. The results were then tabulated into qualitative scores for analysis. From the results, it shows that 4D scheduling system allows users to obtain a higher score as compared to 2D scheduling system, signifying a better understanding of the construction process through the advance system. This enhancement also proves to be more evident for non-construction professionals, allowing them to match their knowledge in scheduling system against construction professionals. This leads to better integration and communication between different stakeholders, which could be a feasible approach to fix the ongoing problem of fragmentation in the construction industry. The thesis also presents potential improvements and limitations for 4D technology as it becomes a valuable tool to integrate all phases of building construction, at the same time forming a basis of future scheduling technology (e.g. 5D, 6D).