Ten ways 4D BIM can transform projects and construction sites

Angitha Pradeep looks at ten ways 4D BIM can transform projects and construction sites

October 26, 2020

According to Rich Humphrey, VP for Construction at Bentley Systems, 4D BIM is at a tipping point. It’s still not an everyday practice, but is becoming so, and most major construction companies have a virtual design and construction department where BIM is often started in offices. He says that organisations are now not just using 4D BIM during the planning stage but taking that multi-dimensional model through to the construction and execution phase.

Building information modelling (BIM) refers to an intelligent model that collects graphical and non-graphical data to build 3D models, while sharing this information on a common platform. Linking extra layers of information to the existing model gives stakeholders a deeper understanding of the project and is referred to as nD BIM, which describes the complex hierarchies of data.

So, what is 4D modelling?

“Put simply, 4D modelling particularly in the construction phase is focused on how 3D models that are coming from the design phase or realty modelling are turned into a construction model by adding the dimension of time,” says Rich Humphrey, VP for Construction at Bentley Systems.

Time-related information in the shared model allows entities to plan and develop an accurate project programme, and prototype how a structure will appear at each stage and avoid costly on-site reworks. Here, Angitha Pradeep looks at ten ways 4D BIM can transform projects and construction sites.

With inputs from Rich Humphrey, VP for Construction and Mark Hattersley, Senior Director for Construction Operations at Bentley Systems

Early-stage planning