University of Technology Sydney

16470 Digital Design and Construction 2

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Design, Architecture and Building: School of the Built Environment
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 16212 Digital Design and Construction 1 AND 16913 Time Management AND 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): STM90373 Core Subjects B Construction
Anti-requisite(s): 16413 Digital Design and Construction 2

Description

This subject introduces model-based construction scheduling methods and technologies. The application of building information modelling for 4D construction planning, scheduling and simulation has had profound effects on the activities of contractors. Enabling improvements to the communication of construction work among project team members and increases in the efficiency and effectiveness of construction programs. This subject develops students' skills in 4D construction planning and scheduling methods and technologies. Students develop an understanding of how 4D simulations and visualisations support construction teams to create more accurate work plans, improve scheduling of temporary site structures, and help manage site logistics. Traditional scheduling methods, together with recent approaches to lean construction, including last planner, location-based management and flowline concepts, are also examined. Students apply their knowledge of construction scheduling as part of the 4D modelling process so as to develop competitive construction schedules and optimise for the continuous flow of construction. The subject uses real-world projects and is taught through intensive practice-based workshops and computing labs.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the use of 4D modelling technologies for construction scheduling and simulation.
2. Apply knowledge of construction scheduling methodologies within a 4D modelling environment to detail and refine the construction schedule relative to workflow, site logistics, materials handling, and resource management.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of 4D modelling software applications relative to when and how they are used for construction and site planning.
4. Understand the standards and methods for organising and exchanging 3D and 4D model content.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of the use of 4D modelling techniques to record and represent information about the construction sequence, including simulation outputs, time-based clash detection outcomes, and dynamic viewpoints for better communication of workflow.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes to the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes:

  • Apply a variety of communication skills and technologies in professional contexts. (C.1)
  • Apply the body of knowledge underpinning construction project management practice. (P.2)
  • Effectively manage the interface between design and construction processes for projects. (P.3)
  • Develop strategic advice for clients on the costs and benefits of various courses of action involving construction projects and financing options. (P.5)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

The term CAPRI is used for the five Design, Architecture and Building faculty graduate attribute categories where:

C = communication and groupwork

A = attitudes and values

P = practical and professional

R = research and critique

I = innovation and creativity.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs) are linked to these categories using codes (e.g. C-1, A-3, P-4, etc.).

Teaching and learning strategies

The subject is structured around a mixed mode of delivery and runs in ‘block’ mode. Students are expected to attend all tutorial and lecture sessions. Content will be delivered through real-world projects and is taught through intensive practice-based workshops and computing labs, enabling students build skills in model-based construction detailing and documentation processes. Students are expected to actively participate in each block so as to ensure productive collaboration and engagement with the subject.

Students will collaborate with each other in small groups working on real-world projects via the use of 'role play' so as to take responsibility for discipline-specific data sets (Architecture, Structure, and MEP models) as well as share the responsibilities of the project manager. To link theory and practice, the subject supports students by supplementing lecture and written materials with feedback from industry mentors, hands-on experience in 4D modelling applications and online tutorials. Students are supported through the use of CANVAS, offering video tutorials, online lecture materials and moderation with the subject coordinator. Emphasis will be placed on independent student engagement with the software to facilitate greater understanding of each topic area.

Students will be briefed on work expected for each session. The subject will provide formative feedback, primarily through critique and review of work in progress, to allow individuals to discuss and refine this work in subsequent workshops. Submitted assignments will be given feedback through the REVIEW on-line student feedback system. Verbal feedback will also be given during class times.

UTS requires all students to attend classes regularly. A minimum of 80% attendance is a requirement of this subject. Due to the intensive nature of this subject and the block mode delivery, it is the student’s responsibility to attend all workshop and computer lab sessions and carry out all assignment work. Student attendance will be recorded during each block and CANVAS use will be monitored. Students will be required to spend more time than the listed computer lab hours to finish course work. This may depend on a student’s aptitude for 4D modelling software and grasp of construction scheduling theories and methods.

Content (topics)

  1. 4D modelling: for planning, scheduling, simulation and animation.
  2. Introduction to Lean Construction methods supporting 4D modelling.
  3. Information requirements and 4D scheduling and simulation.
  4. Model-based detailing, refinement and optimisation of construction processes.
  5. Resolution of scheduling problems: 4D review methods.
  6. 4D modelling for construction planning and for site planning.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: 3D Model Auditing and Preprocessing for 4D Scheduling &Discipline-specific 4D Construction Scheduling and Simulation

Intent:

Group and individual task - Working collaboratively via AEC discipline-based role play, students will undertake a real-world project focused on the early phase 4D modelling processes surrounding 3D model auditing and preprocessing activities that support the development of the initial 4D schedule and simulation. Continuing with the same project scenario presented, students are required to (individually) detail, refine and optimise the construction schedule and 4D model generated. Details regarding format, data sets and suggested length of individual submissions will be presented in class.

Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

1, 2, 3 and 5

This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.):

C.1, P.2, P.3 and P.5

Type: Project
Groupwork: Group, group and individually assessed
Weight: 55%
Criteria:

Specific assessment sub-criteria for each of the main criteria listed below will be provided in the detailed assessment handout.

Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
3D Audit Content 20 2 P.3
Search Set Content 30 1 P.5
Appearance Profile Content 10 3 P.5
Programme Content 10 5 C.1
4D Schedule Development 20 2 P.2
4D Simulation 10 1 P.5
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Federated 4D Construction Scheduling and Simulation

Intent:

Individual task - Continuing with the same project scenario presented in Task 1, students are required to (individually) detail, refine and optimise the construction schedule and 4D model generated in the group task. Details regarding format, data sets and suggested length of individual submissions will be presented in class.

Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

2 and 5

This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.):

P.2 and P.5

Type: Project
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 35%
Criteria:

Specific assessment sub-criteria for each of the main criteria listed below will be provided in the detailed assessment handout.

[no content]

Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
4D Schedule Development 50 2 P.2
4D Simulation 50 5 P.5
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 3: Journal

Intent:

Individual task- To ensure collaboration, discussion of processes and BIM methodology, attendance and engagment in class and online zoom lecturers will be assessed. Journals on lecture/tutorial/reading material will be submitted each block mode weighted 10%.

Objective(s):

This task addresses the following subject learning objectives:

2 and 4

This task also addresses the following course intended learning outcomes that are linked with a code to indicate one of the five CAPRI graduate attribute categories (e.g. C.1, A.3, P.4, etc.):

C.1 and P.2

Type: Journal
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 10%
Criteria:

Specific assessment sub-criteria for each of the main criteria listed below will be provided in the detailed assessment handout.

[no content]

Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Federated 4D Schedule 50 2 P.2
Federated 4D Simulation 50 4 C.1
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Minimum requirements

Students must achieve a minimum aggregate mark of 50% to pass this subject.

UTS requires all students to attend classes regularly. A minimum of 80% attendance is a requirement of this subject. Due to the intensive nature of this subject and the block mode delivery, it is the student’s responsibility to attend all workshop and computer lab sessions and carry out all assignment work. Student attendance will be recorded during each block and CANVAS use will be monitored. Students will be required to spend more time than the listed computer lab hours to finish course work. This may depend on a student’s aptitude for 4D modelling software and grasp of design and construction principles.

Required texts

Hardin, B. (2009), BIM and Construction Management - Proven Tools, Methods, and Workflows, Sybex.

Mubarak, S. A. (2015). Construction project scheduling and control. John Wiley & Sons. 3rd Edition

Selected readings will be available to students via UTSOnline

Recommended texts

Maini, D., (2016) Up and Running with Autodesk Navisworks 2016. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.

Eastman, C., Teicholz, P., Sacks, R., & Liston, K. (2007). BIM Handbook. Booksurge, Charlestown.

Kymmell, W. (2008): Building Information Modeling: Planning and Managing Construction Projects with 4D CAD and Simulations, McGraw-Hill Construction Series, Set 2.

Smith, D. K., & Tardif, M. (2009). Building information modeling: a strategic implementation guide for architects, engineers, constructors, and real estate asset managers. John Wiley & Sons.

Weygant, R. S. (2011). BIM content development: standards, strategies, and best practices. John Wiley & Sons.

Wilkinson, P. (2007). Construction Collaboration Technologies - An Extranet Evolution, Routledge.

Williams, T. (2009). Construction Management - Emerging Trends & Technologies, Thomson Delmar Learning.

Other resources

For Autodesk Navisworks Manage software downloads, See: http://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/navisworks-manage