What was done at Three Snow Hill?
4D Planning
Since 4D BIM is about construction sequencing with
visualisation, it is an easy way to track and keep
stakeholders updated on the project progression.
What is 4D modeling?
4D modelling refers to the fourth dimension of time , i n
other words 4D is a 3D model that includes the
construction schedule.
4D BIM adds a time dimension to a 3D CAD model,
enabling teams to visualize and subsequently analyse the
sequence of events on the construction time-line to
ensure a seamless construction process.
4D Model l i ng adds val ue to al l the phases of the
constructi on process. Through project schedule
si mul ati ons 4D model l i ng can benefi t a project
through:
 Im proved desi gn docum entsby testi ng
desi gn agai nst the constructi on sequence
 Anal ysi ng the i mpact of desi gn changeson
the proj ect ti me line
 Better si te pl anning and coordination
 Lean Scheduling
 Anal ysi ng hold points
 Im proved l ead time identification for more
effecti ve “j ust i n ti me” deliveries
 M ore effecti ve safety i ssue i dentification
 M oni tori ng actual vspl anned progress,
whi ch hel psteam sto i dentify potential
i ssues m ore qui ckl y, reducing claims
Three Snow Hill Case Study
 A 4D model was created of the overall building
including a detailed roof model.
 We used Synchro Software Ltd to create the 4D
model and Revit to model some of the roof
elements.
 Asta PP was used for programming elements.
 The model was used for various presentations
and t o p r o d u c e t h e six- week look ahead
programmes.
Benefits:
 It combines all trade programmes, not just 3D,
into a visual representation at an y point of time
 It allows visualisation of build sequence. Many
people find this much easier than looking at
programmes and it can also break language and
terminology barriers.
 It allows practical reviews with sub-contractors to
ensure the proposed sequence is achievable.
 It potentially allows proposed sequences to be
reviewed in greater detail.
 Easy to produce weekly look ahead snapsho t s o f
planned activities to communicate to the site team
 Can be used as a “Sanity Check” to make sure
programme logic links are correct and agreed by
the site team
 Views and filters are limitless to show as much, or
as little, information that users require
 Identifies potential temporary works, hazards,
working scenarios, access and scaffolding that may
be required
 Potential to create planned vs actual
representations for reporting purposes
 Internal phasing visuals
 Producing videos for tender submissions or
demonstration to other staff/subcontractors
 Free Synchro viewer available to allow site team to
open and navigate the 4D model
 Enabled sequencing issues to be identified mo r e
easily than programmes would usually allow
Disadvantages
 Converting from Asta to Synchro can be prone t o
errors
 Not as user-friendly to use as a planning tool
when compared to Asta
 Synchro viewer training was welcomed by some,
but not all, and can be time consuming to learn
 Heavily reliant on 3D objects being named and
broken down correctly from its parent file to work
efficiently
 DETAIL – The output is only as good as the
information that gets fed into the software
 Synchro and the free viewer can slow down
laptops
 Typical floor services do not work very well due to
the limitations of viewing the area on a screen.
Examples of 4Dmodel been used: Snaps of emails between Ben and Phil (planners) on Three Snow Hill 4Dmodel.
Identifying issues and making changes to the programme. e.g.
Example of weekly PowerPoint

How would we do it on a future project?

 How to decide whether to do 4D Planning: Decision o n
doing 4D Planning should be made at the very start of a
project or even at tender stage, so costs can be
allowed.
 Which areas of the building should we fo cus o n: 4D
model the overall building if possible for presentati ons
a n d choose a detailed area to link e.g. roof or basement
 Who needs to buy into the process: everyone on the
Project and accept the associated costs.
 What resource would be necessary: Internal support or
competent planner.
 What software would we use: Synchro a n d Syn ch r o
Viewer
 Would additional training be needed? Yes but only from
4D Planner
 What additional items would we ne ed de sign er s t o
include/be responsible for? Naming 3D objects
correctly and use the same coordinates.
 How would the relationship between 4D model
management and the project planning work: mu st b e
consistent/one in the same:
 Would additional/different laptops be needed: Yes
 Thoughts on level of detail needed: LOD needs to be in-
line with both the design phase and the ultimate go al
of the 4D model.
Tender = Low LOD
Construction = High LOD