Development of 4D-based performance indicators in construction industry

Purpose - The current uptake of 4D planning in industry is slow and there is a need to demonstrate its value over traditional planning technologies. The aim of this research study is to develop a novel approach to establish the value of a 4D tool in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach - The exploratory research strategy draws on several social science research methods to collect information from human subjects. This exploratory research work has used literature review, open-ended questionnaire, surveys, semi-structured interviews and historical site records. These have been analysed in order to identify, develop and quantify 4D-based key performance indicators. Findings - The paper identifies and quantifies 4D-based key performance indicators. Analysis of the planning efficiency (hit rate percentages) measure on three projects shows that, on an average, a 17 per cent increase in the average industry hit rate was achieved by the use of 4D technology. Also the quantification of communication efficiency measure has shown that on average 30 per cent of meeting time was saved by the use of 4D planning. Originality/value - The complexity and rapidly paced development of today's projects are challenging the industry to find new innovative approaches to deliver projects. 4D is emerging as a construction-planning technology to address some of these challenges. 4D planning has the potential to improve visualisation of building design and construction, but its implementation in the industry has yet to reach maturity. This technology enables clients, contractors, planners and sub-contractors to visualise and understand design and scheduling issues at the early stages of the project.