Session 1.2
Creating a 4D and 5D dynamic analysis the right way with Deswik
Synopsis:
4D and 5D analysis are problematic for large projects, but engineers can use Deswik tools to set up dynamic rules for tasks, dependencies, resources and QTOs based on IFC models. The presentation shows how do this efficiently on a large infrastructural project.
Learning Objectives:
1. Setting up a civil engineering project in Deswik with IFC files.
2. Creating dynamic rulesets for scheduling, resources and reporting based on model attributes and geometry.
3. Using animations, reports and histograms to present quantities and resources for the entire project.
Body:
BIM design tools are revolutionising how the construction industry works, but BIM planning tools have lagged behind in development. Design is 90 % about graphics, planning is 90 % about non-graphical data and this is a high-value opportunity for effective time estimation and cost planning tools to deliver bottom line improvements to projects through scenario analysis and optimisation. The case study compares the use of a standard approach using multiple tools to the use of an integrated 4D and 5D BIM planning tool. The consequence was an up to 90 % reduction in time to iterate a full scenario with costings, allowing our team to examine multiple variations on design, equipment, or sequence.
The main goal of any 4D and 5D BIM analysis is scenario optimisation using quantities, schedules, and results of different construction programmes. Unfortunately, standard approaches require multiple people working with multiple tools (Navisworks, Microsoft Project, Synchro, Primavera, etc.) to glue together a semi-coherent result out of all the available data. It involves a lot of manual labour, scripting, data loss and loss of quality assurance while usually increasing the risk of data misuse. With more complex and data rich BIM models, we need a unifying, dynamic and interconnected tool which enables all the puzzle pieces to communicate with one another and work together. Deswik is verified mine planning tool that has been adapted to read IFC data format and can thus be used for civil engineering projects enabling us to perform flexible quantity and cost over time analyses with different data sets.
Elea iC used Deswik software to study a complex infrastructure project. We created our own BIM models in Revit and Civil3D with the help of Dynamo scripts, populated them with data from a database and exported them to IFC format. Using Deswik, we imported the IFC models, used BIM data to create tasks from each design element and from these tasks automatically created extra ?enabling activities? required to properly define and analyse the critical path.
Quantities from element geometry or attributes became part of the integrated schedule, so a QTO was automatically derived that can be reported for any individual resource, time-split or sub-section of the project. Each analysis automatically took into consideration the resource?s operation and maintenance plans, be it machinery or workforce, to give us an even more realistic prediction.
We could consistently repeat the same process with numerous model alternatives or case scenarios to derive useful comparisons with integrated data visualisation tools (animations and histograms). As model elements, tasks, resources and dependencies were dynamically linked through metadata, it all flowed directly into work hours, quantities over time and final costing.
In conclusion, the construction industry needs a tool where engineers can test different designs and construction programmes for large projects. Deswik has provided us with an opportunity to dynamically integrate BIM data into planning and weave it into manageable and directly applicable knowledge, which we then use to drive bottom line improvements to each project.