How BIM can enable construction scheduling in 4D

The concept of 4D schedule simulation holds significant promise to improve project delivery by marrying highly detailed scheduling to building information models (BIM). Unfortunately, this approach has been difficult to implement, as the constantly changing nature of the models, activities, and other schedule data used makes it difficult to share information across project teams. But Oracle and Assemble Systems are working to change that.

Oracle Construction and Engineering and gold-level partner Assemble Systems recently announced integration between Assemble and Oracle's Primavera P6 Enterprise Project Portfolio Management. This integration enables construction managers to combine the schedule and BIM data to communicate construction sequencing to owners and other partners. Users can easily create simulations and manage project changes.

“By merging the BIM model and scheduled activities, managers can watch a project being built virtually to validate the accuracy of planned sequences within the schedule,” says Mark Jenkins, Oracle product management director. “If there’s an error when moving from one project element to another, it will stick out like a sore thumb.”

The push for 4D scheduling has grown in recent years, and the Assemble integration fuels the adoption of this approach by streamlining the transfer of BIM data into Primavera P6 EPPM.

The integration is also important for helping builders win jobs, Jenkins says. “General contractors who can simulate construction and 4D scheduling demonstrate to owners that they know how to deliver the project.”

This innovation also helps companies better manage scheduled shutdowns for maintenance or for addressing outages. Because downtime means the plant isn’t generating revenues, these projects must be completed within narrow time windows. “With the combination of Assemble and Oracle’s Primavera P6 EPPM, staffs can practice the work virtually to hone their skills before the actual event,” Jenkins says. “They can also confirm that the scheduled work can be completed in the allotted time.”