Criticality visualization using 4D simulation for major capital projects

Abstract

In construction, major capital projects are in need of a visualization method for scheduling and integrating the spatial dimensions with the time dimension. Traditional scheduling methods are limited to the time dimension, and can be used to visualize the critical path of schedules and to compare the criticality of activities. However, they do not consider the spatial constraints. This paper describes a method for developing 4D simulation to visualize the criticality of project activities considering the requirements of the levels of detail. The 4D visualization interface shows the criticality of activities linked to components with color coding based on the total float of each activity. Important benefits can be achieved in supporting decision-making associated with understanding the spatio-temporal constraints related to multiple contracts. Furthermore, the proposed method is useful for filtering, viewing critical and near critical activities, and comparing schedules. The method is tested in a hydroelectric powerhouse case study.