Barriers to the Use of 4D CAD in the Construction Planning Process

Abstract

Computer technology has become integrated into every facet of modern day life, providing innovative solutions to a multitude of today's problems, where new technologies have been changing the way facilities are designed and constructed around the world. Advance techniques like 4D CAD allow the construction schedule to be displayed graphically. 4D CAD is perceived by many in the construction industry as a pre-construction and presentation tool only. The aim of the research presented in this paper is to investigate the challenges that affected the usability of 4D CAD in Construction Planning Process. Research approach that has been taken to investigate the usability of 4D CAD will be Triangulation approach to investigate more in depth the effectiveness of 4D in Construction Planning Process and to identify the major/common barriers for this tool. A questionnaire survey was conducted gather data about the current utilisation of and to identify the key barriers to the use of 4D CAD in the project management. Semi-structured interviews with a number of construction planners, designers and contractors were undertaken to gather more in depth information about current use of 4D CAD. One of the key findings was the adoption of 4D in companies has proceeded rather slowly and there were high level challenges that should be looked that prevent the use of 4D CAD on large scale. The key barriers were the complexity of the software, lake of trained people, and its high cost.