4D Scheduling

4D Scheduling or 4D Rehearsals, refer to the intelligent linking of individual 3D CAD components with time or schedule related information. When BIM is combined with the construction schedule, it becomes a 4D modelling tool where time is the 4th dimension. 4D Scheduling can be applied in the design and construction phases. 4D Scheduling allows Clients to leverage the greatest value out of their BIM during the design phase by visualising construction sequences in order to develop a phasing sequence to include in the construction documents.

During the construction phase, 4D Scheduling can provide both the client and contractors a better visualisation of the planned construction sequences compared to the actual construction sequences.

Some advantages to using 4D Scheduling include:

Visually discover, understand & resolve issues in space, time and design;
Eliminate waste by validating your approach before constructing on site;
Test sequences in a low cost/high precision integrated scheduling environment;
Improved design document quality by testing the design against construction sequencing and thereby eliminating or reducing difficult sequence issues;
Improved site use planning and coordination with ongoing operations;
Improved lead time identification which can reduce total construction duration;
Improved constructability;
Improved ability to monitor planned vs. actual progress and to thereby identify and resolve issues more quickly.