Accelerating Construction: Why Automated 4D BIM Scheduling is the Future

by Antonia Egli and Radhika Deorukhkar (Dublin City University), edited by Omar Doukari, Boubacar Seck, and David Greenwood

Construction projects are inherently complex undertakings and are frequently characterised by cost overruns and schedule delays. As well as having to deal with the unexpected, one reason is flaws in the planning process itself. Imagine orchestrating hundreds of tasks, materials, and teams, all relying on a single, massive schedule. When that schedule is built manually, it’s susceptible to human error, omissions, and endless revision cycles. RINNO’s research on “The Creation of Construction Schedules in 4D BIM: A comparison of Conventional and Automated Approaches” dives deep into how the industry can overcome this hurdle by comparing traditional, manual scheduling methods with cutting-edge automated processes using 4D Building Information Modelling (BIM). The findings offer a compelling blueprint for efficiency and project success in the modern built environment.

What Did the Research Explore?

The primary challenge in construction is turning a static 3D building model into a dynamic, time-based sequence, the 4D model. Historically, this has involved linking individual 3D model components to specific scheduled activities one-by-one. This process is time-consuming, repetitive, and requires significant manual input from highly skilled experts. This study sought to rigorously quantify the difference.

The authors conducted a detailed comparison, evaluating the time, effort, and methodology involved in creating a 4D BIM schedule using both conventional (manual) and automated approaches. The research focused specifically on generating the work breakdown structure (WBS) and creating the necessary links between the model elements and the schedule tasks. The context is crucial for all stakeholders from architects and engineers to project managers and policy makers who aim for sustainable, timely, and cost-effective delivery of complex structures in the EU and globally.

What Are the Core Findings on Efficiency and Effort?

The analysis delivered a clear and compelling case for automation, showing significant improvements in both speed and reliability. Automation doesn’t just speed up the process; it standardises it, reducing the scope for major planning mistakes.

• Massive Time Savings: The study demonstrated a substantial reduction in the time needed to create the 4D BIM schedule. When generating the schedule through manual effort, the process took significantly longer than when applying automated rules.
• Effort Reduction and Accuracy: Automated systems require substantially less human effort and intervention for the core task of linking model elements to the schedule. This drastically reduces the likelihood of crucial errors, such as forgetting to link a structural beam or a major mechanical component, which are common in manual workflows.
• Standardisation is Key: Automated approaches enforce a consistent logic for sequencing and linking elements. This not only makes the initial schedule more reliable but also makes it easier to update and audit throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring better collaboration across disparate teams.
• Shifting the Role of the Expert: Automation removes the need for highly skilled professionals to spend hours on repetitive data entry. Instead, their expertise can be redirected towards more valuable tasks, such as risk analysis, scenario planning, and optimising the construction sequence, leading to greater overall project value.

How Does This Change Construction Projects in the Real World?

The findings have profound implications that stretch far beyond the university laboratory. For the construction industry, where margins are tight and delays are costly, this shift represents a vital step towards industrial maturity and digital transformation.

The research provides a clear evidence base for businesses looking to justify investment in BIM software and training. By proving that automation can reduce the time spent on creating the schedule, companies can expect lower planning costs and quicker starts on site. Furthermore, more accurate 4D models reduce the risk of on-site disruption claims and expensive legal disputes that arise when the project sequence is flawed or unexpected clashes occur. Accurate schedules can also serve as crucial visual communication tools, making complex construction plans easy for all project partners including contractors, regulators, and clients to understand.

A practical example of this impact can be seen in large-scale public infrastructure projects. If an automated schedule is adopted, the time saved in the planning phase of a major road or hospital build could translate directly into months saved on project delivery, benefiting the public sector and taxpayers across Ireland and the wider European Union. This shift supports EU sustainability goals by enabling faster, more predictable construction and reducing waste associated with delays.

What is the Key Takeaway for the Industry?

The clear message from the research is that conventional, manual 4D BIM scheduling is quickly becoming obsolete in the face of modern complexity. Automation is not an optional luxury; it is a necessity for efficiency, accuracy, and risk mitigation in the global construction sector. The findings aim to encourage wider adoption of automated BIM workflows and support the industry’s digital transition.

Reference:

Doukari, O., Seck, B. and Greenwood, D. (2022) ‘The creation of construction schedules in 4D BIM: A comparison of conventional and automated approaches’, Buildings, 12(8). Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12081145