BRG Construction Introduces 4D Scheduling Services

BRG’s Global Construction practice is pleased to offer clients 4D scheduling, which takes a three-dimensional model of a construction project and essentially adds a fourth dimension—time. In today’s competitive market, 4D scheduling gives contractors a valuable advantage in winning significant and lucrative project procurements, with a cost-effective tool that allows project stakeholders to clearly visualize complex scenarios and sequences.

A 4D schedule leverages additional value from a project’s 3D/Building Information Model (BIM) and critical path method (CPM) schedule by combining the two documents to create a powerful visualization and planning tool. BRG uses cutting-edge 4D scheduling software that links the BIM elements (such as columns, slabs, doors, and windows) to the appropriate CPM schedule activity. By linking the BIM elements and CPM schedule activities, BRG produces an animation of project construction over time as planned in the CPM schedule.

As more federal, state, and local government procurement agencies contractually require BIM modeling and spatial coordination, the demand for 4D scheduling is growing. The U.S. General Services Administration strongly encourages the application of 4D scheduling on prospectus-level projects, and state and local agencies are following the GSA’s lead. In the private sector, as owners become more aware of the technology and its benefits, contractors also see contractual requirements to prepare and maintain 4D schedules.

Sophisticated contractors are also utilizing the technology to set themselves apart from the competition in bidding and procurement. Bid schedules are frequently required for most major procurements, and a contractor’s ability to present a 4D graphical presentation of its planned execution of a project can be the key to obtaining an award.

The cost to prepare a 4D schedule is nominal and represents a small fraction of the cost in preparing a project model. The added value provided by a 4D schedule in managing progress of work and explaining the progress to major stakeholders more than outweighs the additional expense. Further, in the event of claims or disputes, the 4D model is an effective way of graphically portraying the factors that caused delays and disruption.

BRG is your one-stop shop for advice in bidding, winning, planning, executing, and resolving disputes, or in a PRM role, avoiding and identifying risks on your construction project. BRG’s multidisciplinary team has a strong foundation in project management and scheduling, combined with deep industry experience. Clients benefit from our full-service construction offerings, including bid scheduling, conceptual modeling, 4D scheduling, project scheduling, change order review, risk analysis, cost and damage analysis, claims and disputes analysis, and expert testimony.