The implementation and use of 4D BIM and Virtual Construction

The 2013 UK Government construction strategy, presented at its 'Construction Summit' set targets for 50% faster project delivery and reductions in the overall delivery time for new build and refurbished assets. Despite the best efforts of constructors, who have considerable in house experience, skills and knowledge in project delivery, more than half of all UK construction projects exceed their agreed time schedules; with current data revealing the worst performance for 12 years. The concurrent drive for all centrally procured public construction projects to be working at BIM Level 2 by 2016 is seen as an important step in improving the quality of project information, which, in turn, should result in improvements in project predictability, including predictability of both time and cost. The current research investigates how contracting organisations have adapted their existing practices to utilize BIM and improve project delivery. As part of the work a quantitative survey was undertaken that focused upon the current use of virtual construction. Results show a high level of BIM awareness and a more limited degree of experience of using virtual construction practices to improve construction planning. There was, however, a generally high level of recognition of the potential value of 4D planning. With additional data, the study will investigate whether potential benefits of 4D planning are being actualised, as well as exploring associations between the extent and nature of its use and characteristics of the user organisations.