Evaluation of the Use of BIM Tools for Construction Site Utilization Planning

Construction Site Utilization Planning (CSUP), also known as jobsite layout planning, has the potential to improve the efficiency of the construction process, enhance the schedule and budgetary performance of a project, and improve the safety of construction operation. Traditionally, this planning has been done using two dimensional paper based design or AutoCAD / PDF files. The data rich three dimensional context provided by Building Information Models can be leveraged to improve the CSUP process and communicate the construction execution plan effectively to all stakeholders. This paper discusses the advantages and challenges in using currently widely accepted tools for Site Utilization Planning. BIM models are inherently composed of parametric objects. The majority of BIM tools are predominantly built for the design community. This has resulted in a lack of available family objects that can be used to model construction site operations. This paper provides a detailed discussion of the developments that need to occur so that BIM models can be effectively used for CSUP. The benefits of integrating a site utilization plan with a construction schedule to produce powerful temporal 4D simulations are also discussed.