Improvement of Link Process in 4D CAD Viewer by Using Interface Board for Construction Project Management

Interference check process in construction schedule management is being one of important items as well as traditional scheduling analysis in project management. For visualizing interference check process, 4D CAD viewer is being gradually used in practical construction project. However, current 4D CAD system still needs more easy functions for practical application in construction site. To make a more easy function, it is necessary to equip a simple link system between 3D object and activity schedule. The link methodologies in current 4D CAD viewer should be improved with understanding of characteristic by each project type. This study suggests an improved and useful link methodology in 4D CAD system for plant project management. Plant project usually includes a great number of detailed elements in each functional facility. In that case, it is more important how it is easy to map 3D object with schedule in link process because the 3D drawings of each element should be linked with its schedule for visualizing 4D object. This study presents a new link process that the objects can be linked based on both 3D and schedule. That is, link process can be simple and easy procedure because the priority in link process can be both 3D object or schedule object by each element type. For developing the improved link system, this study introduces a concept of interface board that visualizes the detailed link phases including all objects in link process. Finally the suggested link process is verified in a developed 4D CAD viewer.