Improved link system between schedule data and 3D object in 4D CAD system by using WBS code

• Published in: KSCE journal of civil engineering Vol. 14; no. 6; pp. 803 - 814
• Main Authors: Kang, Leen-Seok, Moon, Hyoun-Seok, Park, Seo-Young, Kim, Chang-Hak, Lee, Tai Sik
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Heidelberg Korean Society of Civil Engineers 01-11-2010; Springer Nature B.V; 대한토목학회
• Subjects: Civil Engineering; Construction; Data base management systems; Engineering; Geotechnical Engineering & Applied Earth Sciences; Industrial Pollution Prevention; Information centers; Information centres; Information management; Information systems; Methods; Project management; Schedules; Simulation; Studies; 토목공학; schedule; 4D CAD system; virtual reality; Work Breakdown Structure (WBS); 3D object
• ISSN: 1226-7988; 1976-3808
• DOI: 10.1007/s12205-010-0960-4

Current 4D CAD systems can perform basic functions to construct a 4D simulation to visualize a construction schedule. One important function is to link the schedule to a 3D object because it is the most basic and essential process necessary to create a 4D simulation. Though the link process in existing systems is still somewhat complicated, it can be simplified by changing the information structure of the system. Because the 4D system includes the schedule, 3D objects, and 4D simulations, the database of the system stores various information. Accordingly, information management in a 4D system is an important factor to serve the user’s convenience and to simplify the link between a construction schedule and drawings. This study presents an effective information management methodology, an improved 4D system, using Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) as an information center. The artificial link process to generate a 4D simulation can be simplified by using the same WBS code for both schedule and drawing information. The suggested methodology was applied in a new 4D CAD engine developed in this study and verified by running practical data from a gas plant and a civil engineering project. The developed system enables project manager to generate a 4D simulation at WBS code level. This function can be a useful tool and a new approach to visualize schedule data in a large project.