Appendix B-7: BIM Use: Site Utilization Planning

Site Utilization Planning

Description:
A process in which BIM is used to graphically represent both permanent and temporary facilities on site during multiple phases of the construction process. It may also be linked with the construction activity schedule to convey space and sequencing requirements. Additional information incorporated into the model can include labor resources, materials with associated deliveries, and equipment location. Because the 3D model components can be directly linked to the schedule, site management functions such as visualized planning, short-term re-planning, and resource analysis can be analyzed over different spatial and temporal data.

Potential Value:

• Efficiently generate site usage layout for temporary facilities, assembly areas, and material deliveries for all phases of construction
• Quickly identify potential and critical space and time conflicts
• Accurately evaluate site layout for safety concerns
• Select a feasible construction scheme
• Effectively communicate construction sequence and layout to all interested parties
• Easily update site organization and space usage as construction progresses
• Minimize the amount of time spent performing site utilization planning

Resources Required:

• Design authoring software
• Scheduling software
• 4D model integration software
• Detailed existing conditions site plan

Team Competencies Required:

• Ability to create, manipulate, navigate, and review a 3D Model
• Ability to manipulate and assess the construction schedule with a 3D model
• Ability to understand typical construction methods
• Ability to translate field knowledge to a technological process

Selected Resources:

• Chau, K.W.; M. Anson, and J.P. Zhang. (July/August 2004) “Four-Dimensional Visualization of Construction Scheduling and Site Utilization.” Journal of Construction Engineering and Management. 598-606. ASCE. 5 September 2008. http://cedb.asce.org/cgi/WWWdisplay.cgi?0410956
• Dawood, N. et al. (2005) “The Virtual Construction Site (VIRCON) Tools: An Industrial Evaluation.” ITcon. Vol. 10 43-54. 8 September 2008. http://www.itcon.org/cgi-bin/works/Show?2005_5
• Heesom, David and Lamine Mahdjoubi. (February 2004) “Trends of 4D CAD Applications for Construction Planning.” Construction Management and Economics. 22 171-182. 8 September 2008. http://www.tamu.edu/classes/choudhury/articles/1.pdf
• J.P. Zhang, M. Anson and Q. Wang. (2000) “A New 4D Management Approach to Construction Planning and Site Space Utilization.” Proceedings of the Eighth International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering 279, 3 (2000) ASCE. Â 21 September 2010. http://dx.doi.org/10.1061/40513(279)3.
• J. H. Kang, S. D. Anderson, M. J. Clayton. (June 2007) “Empirical Study on the Merit of Web-Based 4D Visualization in Collaborative Construction Planning and Scheduling.” J. Constr. Engrg. and Mgmt. Volume 133, Issue 6, pp. 447-461 ASCE. 20 September 2010. http://dx.doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2007)133:6(447)
• Timo Hartmann, Ju Gao and Martin Fischer. (October 2008) “Areas of Application for 3D and 4D Models.” Journal of Construction Engineering and Management ( Volumne 135, Issue 10): 776-785.
• Ting Huang, C.W. Kong, H.L. Guo, Andrew Baldwin, Heng Li. (August 2007) “A Virtual Prototyping System for Simulating Construction Processes.” Automation in Construction (Volume 16, Issue 5):Pages 576-585, (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6V20-4MFJT9J-1/2/45a7645cc1a6836c45317a012fbc181a)