Can 4D modelling and digital twins help developers and contractors keep the peace with their site neighbours? Dan Ashton at Proicere Digital certainly thinks so.
The government has recognised the planning process as an obstacle to achieving its ambitious 1.5 million new-home build target. The Planning and Infrastructure BIll, due in the spring, aims to reduce the delays caused by judicial reviews and local objections.
A key feature of the Bill to enable faster approvals is that local communities will be limited to influencing how, rather than if, a development goes ahead. Speeding up planning and building regulation approvals, however, presents the increased risk of conflict with local communities, who often feel they aren’t listened to. That means ensuring a construction project runs smoothly is vital – not only to control costs, but to protect the reputations of all stakeholders.
Even if all goes to plan, local residents fear the impact of new developments on property values and local services. Local newspaper reports of unpopular project go-aheads can reinforce the perception of developers as arrogant and insensitive.
Losing control of the project can have long-term reputational consequences. Delays and overspends not only cause disruption, but can make it unviable to deliver on commitments, such as Section 106 Agreement obligations for local amenities. In extreme cases, this can become a national news scandal that also brings the local authority into disrepute.
These examples serve as reminders to engage with the local community about development plans, and ensure maximum control over internal processes.
Switch up 3D to 4D
Often, the type of planning tool can have a strong influence on the efficiency of the overall project lifecycle. Construction is notorious for inefficiency. Project delays can add as much as 20% to costs, with human error being a significant contributor.
Exclusive reliance on traditional paper-based methods has many drawbacks. Drawings and Gantt charts provide limited visualisation, hinder effective communication, and make it difficult to identify clashes early. Manual data entry increases the risk of errors, and even minor corrections can be time-consuming.
4D modelling tools offer a solution to these challenges. By integrating time-based data with 3D models, these tools enable immersive visualisation of the entire construction lifecycle. Stakeholders can experience the evolution of the construction lifecycle before ground is even broken, gaining a deeper understanding of complex scenarios, such as crane installations or complex logistics sequences, as information is processed faster and retained more thoroughly, when presented visually. The planning tools allow onsite teams to digitally rehearse these tasks, so they can be carried out correctly and confidently on the day.
This leads to better-informed decisions and improved morale, as there is increased confidence in project delivery.
Simulating the construction process makes it possible to identify and correct clashes before execution, even for a residential project that involves thousands of interface points between teams, equipment and materials – each a potential source of delay or risk. A 4D model helps identify and correct potential clashes before they cause costly rework. It also boosts team morale, enabling digital rehearsals that improve onsite execution.
The role of digital twins
Digital twins are now being introduced to take this information and transform it into knowledge. While 4D planning focuses on the construction phase, digital twins provide a continuous data stream throughout the entire project lifecycle – from design and build to operation and maintenance.
Crucially, digital twins enhance interconnectivity among developers, suppliers and contractors. In largescale residential projects, numerous stakeholders – from architects to utility providers – must work in lockstep. Digital twins centralise the data, ensuring that everyone operates from the same up-to-date information. This interconnected approach reduces delays, prevents costly miscommunications and streamlines complex supply chains.
For community relations, the benefits are substantial. A digital twin allows developers to model the long-term impact of projects, from traffic flow to energy consumption, helping to proactively address community concerns. This fosters greater transparency and can convert sceptics into advocates.
Processing vast amounts of data
Today, planning tools are increasingly using AI that can analyse vast amounts of project data, from design plans to cost estimates and safety records. Processing vast amounts of data quickly, the planning tool updates scenarios in a short time – within a group planning meeting, for instance. This gives agility to the project when circumstances change at short notice. Schedules could be adapted according to weather forecasts, for example.
Additionally, the visualisation offered through 4D planning and digital twins makes it easier for stakeholders, regardless of their construction expertise, to clearly understand project progress and potential impacts. This enhanced clarity fosters greater transparency, helping to build trust with local communities, the media, and other key stakeholders.
With capabilities such as clear communication, clash detection, real-time data analysis, rapid updates and increased transparency, 4D planning and digital twins play a key role in ensuring smoother project execution, improved efficiency, and a greater likelihood of delivering projects on time and within budget.
Enhanced project control not only helps mitigate risks associated with external pressures – like fluctuating material costs or unpredictable weather – it also strengthens your ability to meet contractual obligations. In turn, this reinforces your reputation with all stakeholders, positioning your organisation as reliable, responsible and community-conscious.
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