4D dynamic construction management and visualization software: 2. Site trial

The performance of any system can only be gauged by practical applications. This paper delineates some insight and experience on the on-site use of a prototype four-dimensional (4D) site management software system for a warehouse superstructure in Hong Kong. It links a three-dimensional model and a construction schedule to furnish visualization of the state of a site at any user-specified date. Site personnel generally view this system as potentially very promising and helpful. The 4D visualization is found to have capability to assist cognitive, reflective and analytical activities of site management. Through this site trial, some limitations of the software are also spotted which consequently lead to enhancement to the system. The prototype model may require a large amount of data input for large projects which lead to large computer files and slow processing speed. Hence, careful implementation of details is required in the planning level for practical 4D simulation modeling. This, however, will not be a long-term problem, given the recent advancement of computer technology.