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Incorporating construction and logistics simulations into the construction project planning process fosters a better understanding of the planned scope and promotes effective collaboration among all team members that manages to anticipate problems and optimize operations before starting actual execution. By involving the team from pre-construction, a realistic schedule is ensured and emergencies are avoided, which is essential to keep the project on track and within the established budget.
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Integrating Construction and Logistics Simulation with BIM in a Comprehensive Management System to Optimize Construction
Efficiency and success in real estate development goes beyond erecting structures in an accelerated manner and it is not a fruit of chance, but rather involves careful preparation, effective teamwork and enabling environment to improve efficiency, cost savings, quality and safety in construction projects at every step of the process, from land preparation to final delivery.
Preparation and planning are the foundation of any successful execution. People say that an hour well spent in the pre-construction phase can save a day in the execution phase. By incorporating construction and logistics simulations to visualize possible scenarios, we can identify their advantages (pluses) and disadvantages (deltas),Identify problems and resolve them before they occur, and optimize processes before construction begins.
To facilitate this, the application of Building Information Modeling (BIM) emerges as a key tool for simulating and visualizing the logic and consistency of decisions about construction processes and workflow before actual execution begins; which involves incorporating temporal and logistical data into the BIM model(s) to provide a complete view of the project life cycle and make it easier for project teams to identify potential bottlenecks, optimize operations and construction sequences , and improve overall efficiency for cost savings and increased profitability.
Presentation of Demolition and Construction of Mixed Use Project
Initial Preparation: The Basis of Project Success
A base schedule is an essential tool for efficient project management, as it acts as a reference point so that directors, managers, supervisors and operatives can visualize, evaluate, compare and communicate the progress of the planned scope, schedule and cost during the project life cycle.
This programming must be a logical and conscious reflection of the flow of construction processes that ensures that the work is completed successfully and completely; In turn, it must consider clearances from its initial conception to anticipate changes and mitigate potential risks (variations, uncertainties, contingencies and unforeseen situations) due to climatic, financial, operational factors, among others, to ensure a realistic execution schedule.
To ensure its reliability, it is recommended involve the entire team as early as possible in the scheduling process, preferably from pre-construction, to ensure that the project phases are properly linked and the key factors of each discipline are considered, such as concrete curing, ironwork prefabrication, among others. And in turn,avoid unrealistic programming that implies an excessive workload or omits the necessary slack in any of the disciplines that force them to fall into frustrations and urges.
During the periodic review with contractors, it is key to be open to feedback, as projects evolve, and the base programming must adapt to the necessary changes and not be restricted to necessary modifications. When this is done correctly, collaboration and decision making can be improved.Identifying deviations is a starting point for preparing recovery plans or modifications, ensuring that the project remains on course. Misuse of it can trigger power dynamics that reduce the effectiveness and cohesion of the team.
Logistics Preparation: The Key to Efficient Production on Site
Construction efficiency goes beyond the execution of the work; it involves precise and intelligent logistics planning that is focused on the safety and well-being of the people who make up the workplace and the surrounding environment. That is why we must plan and optimize routes and accesses to move workers and transport materials efficiently and safely.
A logistics map is not just about placing key locations and plotting traffic patterns, but about developing a strategic tool for supervising and controlling construction projects. Smartly designed and easy to follow, this map acts as a guide to efficiently manage the logistical aspects of the project ensuring efficient production and an organized and safe work environment. Some important points to take into account when creating these maps are:
Positioning and organization of trailers, trailers and construction offices that guarantee effective coordination.
Location and layout of decent bathrooms with easy access for use, cleaning and maintenance.
Rest and dining areas with easy access for cleaning and replenishment.
Points of interest such as elevators, cranes, and waste storage and collection areas.
Access points and routes to work areas that guarantee a constant and safe flow.
Storage and supply/delivery points of materials.
Active work areas per front and per contractor.
Among others.
These maps are not static, but a dynamic plan that evolves as the project progresses with a predictive approach, therefore, the review of these must be constant. Keep in mind that production on a construction site is highly dependent on access to workspace for people and equipment, and supply lines with the capacity to deliver materials when they are needed, or Just In Time (JIT).
Changing situations in the market can affect the logistics programming and execution of activities because the procurement and procurement management and its deliveries can be seen in delays, cancellations, changes, among other logistical problems, which is why good risk management must always be kept in mind to carry out successful procurement programming and avoid unplanned arrivals and deliveries that may cause congestion on site.
Simulation of Preparations with BIM
As part of the Digital Transformation in Construction, companies in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operation (AECO) industry have experienced a digital revolution in recent years thanks to the Implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the Business Technology Architecture with the purpose of addressing the increasingly complex challenges facing the industry.
The BIM integration to carry out the simulation of construction and logistics planning offers numerous benefits to optimize operational efficiency and guarantee effective coordination since temporal and spatial aspects are addressed, allowing the accurate scheduling and visualization of events and tasks to avoid conflicts and optimize resource allocation thereby reducing waiting times and maximizing productivity.
Presentation of Highway Project Execution
One of the greatest advantages that this integration offers is being able to generate simulations of different scenarios quickly to identify and evaluate possible risks, allowing informed decision-making to avoid problems and anticipate changes that could be costly if they materialize on the job site.
BIM construction and logistics simulation can be presented in bidding and coordination meetings through the use of videos, animations or with the use of Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality for visually support plans and allow everyone, from the first planners to the last workers, to fully understand and be able to provide feedback on the plan achieving:
Reduction of Construction Times When inefficiencies are identified, optimize the sequence of tasks and allocate resources to generate savings.
Improvement in Resource Management of labor, machinery and materials to maximize productivity and minimize costs.
Error Prevention and Rework by avoiding scheduling delays to save direct and indirect costs.
Increased Safety in the Workplace by anticipating risks that may affect the continuity of the project.
By applying technology in project planning,we facilitate the understanding of the constructive and logistical aspects of it, and therefore, we obtain feedback that is more focused on the true deficiencies of the activities and supplies program to contribute significantly to the profitability of the project. However,technological tools should not dictate the plan, but rather they must be adapted to the needs of the project, which is why you must know the limitations of the software used.
Adjustments During Project Execution
By having BIM models to simulate the construction and logistics planning of the project, we can facilitate the management of advance, weekly and daily plans on site by allowing anticipation of what will happen over the coming days and weeks, optimizing operational efficiency and addressing issues that could lead to delays, which contributes to a positive and committed work environment that builds a solid team.
Vertical Residential Project Site Logistics Presentation
Simulation is an integral part of project guidance, visually showing the importance of planning and accurate implementation so that everyone understands their role in the project, and the benefits and contributions their work makes towards achieving the objectives, allowing the implementation of Lean planning systems more precisely and effectively. The presentation of these simulations on the job site should represent the following issues for discussion and adjustment:
Location of Garbage Bins and Waste Collection to maintain a clean and safe site.
Emergency and Evacuation Plans to protect yourself in case of any contingency.
Location of Trailers, Offices and Ambulances for any emergency.
Rest and Hydration Points to optimize these key areas.
Entrances to the Work Site and its impact on the production flow.
Construction Flow and the sequence of activities.
BIM integration adds to identify and solve daily problems effectively, thus improving effective collaboration and precise planning that contributes to a harmonious and rewarding work environment, where each team member does their part and achieves their professional goals.
Optimizing Construction Through BIM-Based Construction Planning
The integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to perform construction and logistics simulations emerges as a comprehensive strategy to optimize real estate projects by helping all stakeholders review the logic and efficiency of jobsite operations.
The preparation, plotted in diagrams and dynamic maps, manages risks and ensures fluidity in execution; By relying on BIM models, daily management is facilitated, execution is optimized and a positive and conducive environment is built for the generation of good results in terms of delivery time, cost savings, quality assurance, rigor in safety, and consequently, increased profitability.
In short, construction planning with BIM not only saves costs and improves efficiency, but also creates a rewarding environment where each team member achieves their goals. As a last resort, construction and logistics simulation in the context of BIM is not just a tool; It is a catalyst for transformation positive in the way we approach and execute construction projects.
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About Pablo Tellaeche (Author):
Owner and main consultant of TACs Consultores, Speaker and University Professor; seeks to bring a true and positive Lean Culture and Digital Transformation to every company with which he has the pleasure of collaborating.
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