Automated Schedule Updates Using As-Built Data and a 4D Building Information Model

Abstract

A schedule update is defined as a process for measuring the status of a project, predicting the date of its completion, and providing project managers with critical schedule information. The updated schedule information helps project managers evaluate their projects and take appropriate actions that will enable them to finish projects on time. In current practice, most schedule-update processes are performed manually, require considerable time and effort, and rely on subjective experience. This study proposes data flow and develops a system that updates schedules automatically through the use of project-management software and provides critical schedule information to project managers. The proposed system is based on the use of three-dimensional (3D) point-cloud data from construction sites and a four-dimensional (4D) model that includes an as-planned schedule. To verify the performance of the system developed in this study, a case study based on an actual construction site was conducted. The results show that the proposed system contributes to the automation of all steps involved in schedule updating. With automatic schedule updates, the practice can be made more efficient, and the process of schedule updating can be performed in a reliable and objective manner. (C) 2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.