The 3 Key Steps to Create a 4D Construction Digital Twin

While 75% of the companies adopting BIM technology reported positive returns on their investments, the heavy civil construction industry has yet to see widespread adoption of BIM or 4D modeling. A 4D model can advance these projects by visualizing construction sequences and the project from anywhere, catching errors before they happen.

This article covers the three key steps to create a 4D construction digital twin:

Step 1: Gather Data

The first step in creating a 4D construction digital twin is to obtain the preliminary design BIM model. This is usually a low level of detail (LOD) model that is produced during the design phase of the project. The federated design model should contain all the design information, including architectural, civil & structural, and MEICA components.

The design model is further enhanced with site data obtained from surveyors using data capture techniques such as LIDAR or photogrammetry. The rich site context allows project teams to visualize the project in the real-world using virtual toLocaleString.

Step 2: Plan the Construction Sequence from Design Models

A detailed construction program is typically produced by professional planners. These program schedules are created in scheduling software such as Oracle P6, Microsoft projects, or Syncro 4D. The project timeline is integrated with the design BIM to create a 4D BIM (time) model.

Display both 3D models and the schedule in one environment to perform model-based scheduling. The 4D model can be accessed using any web browser, allowing project teams to collaborate, markup, and review the model during virtual ICE sessions.

Project teams can slice and dice your design into a construction model with auto-calculated quanti ties while keeping original design intent. Contractors can use these data as a basis to submit payment claims during the project.

Add construction equipment and paths to schedule activities to visualize conflicts and resolve them before construction. Perform “what-if” analysis to reduce risks and delays by reviewing time-lapsed construction sequences. Identify areas that are ahead or behind schedule through a planned-versus- actual visualization.

Step 3: Connect the Office to the Field

Extend the value of the 4D model into field workflows for status checks, work planning, review, and inspections. With connected applications and workflows, a project team can review, validate, and communicate in one complete digital and interactive visual environment that includes documents, forms, and models.

Plan, manage, construct, track, and review your construction projects

SYNCHRO 4D is designed and tailor-made for construction modeling, planning and scheduling, visualization, simulation, and project controls. All construction team members can build digital projects on the screen and extend the value of 3D models by adding time, the fourth dimension. Serving as the real-time source of truth, SYNCHRO 4D can help solve the time-cost conundrum, increase safety, and reduce both employee and project risks.