What is 4D BIM? | The B1M

What is 4D BIM and how can it add value on building information modelling (BIM) projects? Fred Mills, Co-Founder of The B1M, explains in this simple and easily digestible 4 minute video.
In simple terms, BIM is the process of creating information models or data sets formed of graphical and non-graphical information in a shared digital space known as a Common Data Environment (CDE). The information builds in richness as the project stages progress until that complete data set is handed over to the Client and/or end user at completion.
As you create an information model, you can add scheduling data to different components, generating accurate programme information and enabling step-by-step visuals of your project’s development. It is this is process that is known as 4D BIM.
Linking in cost data in order to support cost planning and generate estimates is known as 5D BIM (www.theb1m.com/..., whilst the inclusion of information to support facilities management and operation is called 6D BIM (www.theb1m.com/....
4D BIM involves time-related information being associated to different components of an information model. For a specific element or work area, that could include details on its lead-time, construction and installation period, curing and drying allowances, sequencing or its interdependencies with other areas. With this data included, Planners can quickly develop accurate programmes for projects, based on one reliable source of federated information. The specific activities and items within those programmes can be clearly linked to their graphical representations.
The inclusion of time-related attribute data also enables 3D visuals of a project’s development to be created, showing how it will be constructed and how both the structure and surrounding site will appear at each phase. This is hugely beneficial in terms of planning work in a safe and logical way that maximises efficiency on site. With programme and visual information like this to hand, project teams can effectively prototype assets in a virtual environment first and provide rapid feedback on design or methodology changes to their colleagues.
Such an approach helps to negate last minute on-site design co-ordination and rework, ultimately eliminating waste from the delivery process and helping to speed it up. This is key as construction sites are expensive to run and represent a significant proportion of the total cost for many projects. The efficiency generated can streamline the cost base for project teams and increase their capacity, whilst reducing overall delivery costs for Clients.
4D BIM is also a powerful tool for communicating the impact of built assets with local Stakeholders during delivery and once completed. Everyone can see and comprehend a clear impression of how the asset will appear, rather than having to envisage that from plans or Gantt charts.
You can work with 4D at any stage of a project, and it can add a lot of value and influence at the front end when assessing the feasibility of schemes. It’s also useful during tendering if you want to quickly understand a project or demonstrate and build confidence around your methodology as part of the selection process. Clearly, the information you’ll gain will be quite high-level in the early stages, and will build in detail as the project progresses.
Fred ends with a message for Planners worried that 4D BIM could replace them: “That really isn’t the case. 4D BIM actually brings Planners in closer to the heart of the project team. Rather than creating programmes that require several iterations as proposals develop, Planners play a greater role in shaping those proposals in the first place” he says. “They effectively add more value and become more respected by their peers”.
This video features footage of Asta Powerproject, learn more here: www.astapowerpr...
Spanish sub-titles by Iria Carreira.
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[@fortunenqabadludlu3967]

yes it is helping, many thanks. Let me have a look through it.

[@tbaimukanov]

Also, I would suggest more explanation on 5D Cost Integration.

[@mbox7219]

Really interested in 4D BIM Concept, However all the available softwares are still need a lot of improvements.

[@TheBIMCoordinator]

Great vid! Very informative and useful! Thanks for sharing

[@jamescrowther1234]

4D BIM is really good, much better than boring Gant Charts

[@ghulamhaider3434]

Dear, r u working in BIM?

[@shavkatyemeleyev7982]

Hi Fred, Very good explanation! Thanks! Are you considering to create explanation video for 7D BIM?

[@TheB1M]

Sticking to 4, 5 and 6 for now: www.theb1m.com/videos?category=4D-/-5D-/-6D-BIM

[@tecnicasdeconstruccion2023]

Thanks, good I will follow your explanations

[@ahmadbarham9065]

useful tool. However; it will not work the way you see it in this video unless a complete 3D model is ready before. In fast track projects; there is no enough time to prepare 3D model and then schedule the work at site. usually; in such projects construction begins before the finish of the design. Does BIM still helpful for the planner!!!

[@paikohanZ]

Ahmad Barham in addition to that, the design keep on changing and updated accross project lifecycle. Managing the design change and update 4D BIM I found out very tedious and challenging.

[@fortunenqabadludlu3967]

What architectural software can I use an an architect to achieve this?

[@TheB1M]

+Fortune Nqaba Dludlu Asta Powerproject BIM is very powerful and was developed by planning experts. There are also some add-ons for the different types of native authoring software or the viewer/interrogation tools - Autodesk Navisworks being one example of the latter. Does that help?

[@brendandonnelly1773]

So that’s how you build Thanks

[@mohamedmasoud8493]

i need your help since you went deeply into the BIM..

[@phuocloile6741]

Can I build 4D and 5D Bim by revit?

[@TheB1M]

Yes, there are a range of plug-ins, although their effectiveness is hotly debated!

[@shaikmohammedArshad]

Which software's this 4D BIM is integrated?

[@TheB1M]

Asta PowerProject

[@earth6205]

Can you Please speak slowly because you are too fast ..