Web-based four-dimensional visualization for constuction scheduling

This research investigated whether Web-based 4D visualization would expedite the collaborative decision-making process by making more explicit the detection of logical errors in the construction schedule.; Four-dimensional Computer Aided Design (4D CAD) is being considered as a good tool for understanding the construction schedule. However, current 4D CAD prevents the user from interactively updating the 4D CAD model. Therefore, revision of the model requires an extensive time commitment that cannot be easily reduced. The multiple steps and time required to modify and distribute the 4D CAD model may reduce the desirability of 4D CAD in typical projects.; Current Internet technology provides interactive three-dimensional (3D) graphics on the Web and the ability to manipulate a database over the Internet. In this research, Web-based 4D visualization software was developed to update the construction schedule and show the revised construction sequence visually on the Web browser using 3D computer graphics.; An experiment was designed using Web-based 4D visualization software. The experiment was conducted with students studying construction management or civil engineering at Texas A&M University. One group used 4D visualization on the Web while the other group used the 2D drawing on the Web. Analysis of the experimental results compares the performance of the two groups using different graphic representation to detect logical errors in the construction schedule.; The results demonstrated that the 4D visualization group detected more logical errors, made fewer mistakes, detected logical errors faster, and communicated less frequently than the 2D drawing groups. A qualitative survey that was administrated immediately after the experiment demonstrated that 89% of students thought 4D visualization helped them understand the construction schedule better, and 91% of students thought 4D visualization helped them communicate better with their partner. The research produced empirical evidence that Web-based 4D visualization may be superior to 2D in supporting collaborative decision-making in construction scheduling.; It is hoped that Web-based 4D visualization software developed for this research will encourage professionals to use 4D models in actual construction projects. Use of Web-based 4D visualization could lead to more accurate schedules, shorter schedules, and reduced cost in the construction industry.