ABSTRACT
To illustrate how to apply 4D models for project planning, this chapter presents lessons learned from the application of 4D models on a biotechnology project. The application of 4D models was part of a larger effort to investigate, through the live application of an integrated suite of project design and management software tools on a design-build project, how an integrated project team can utilise 3D CAD models linked to cost estimates and schedules to design, coordinate, estimate, plan, schedule and manage a construction project. We investigated the capabilities of existing software tools to leverage 3D models for design coordination and constructability analysis, cost estimating, and construction planning. Our insights are based on our work with the project team during design and construction of the ‘Sequus Pharmaceuticals Pilot Plant’. Each team member committed to modeling their respective scope of work in 3D CAD from the beginning of design through construction completion, coordinating the designs in 3D, and using commercial software to integrate the 3D CAD models with cost estimating and scheduling software. Through the case study, we determined the benefits and shortcomings of this suite of project planning and management software, the specific steps required to accomplish integration of scope, cost and schedule information and lessons learned with respect to 4D modeling and the impact of these tools on project performance. This chapter shows that early and simultaneous involvement of a project team including designers, general contractors and subcontractors in the design and construction of a capital facility coupled with the use of shared 3D and 4D models allows the project team to deliver a superior facility in less time, at lower cost and with less hassle. Compared to the traditional, sequential and paper-based design, planning and construction process, the construction project team realised the following specific benefits during design and construction of the Pilot Plant Facility for Sequus Pharmaceuticals:
shorter estimating time, fewer quantity takeoff errors,
better documentation and reproducibility of the estimating process, elimination of field interferences, improved communication of the schedule intent, construction completed on time and under budget, less rework, increased productivity, 60 per cent fewer requests for information, fewer change orders, less than 1 per cent cost growth and decrease in time from start of construction to facility turnover.
