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exceptional tool to solve the problems that might arise during construction phase like;

trade flows, work conflicts, material lay down areas and move in and move out of
material and labor force before the actual start of construction (Dixit, 2007). In
addition to this, 4D modeling also reduces the misunderstandings between various
parties involved in construction project. Due to its significant potential benefits in the
construction industry, 4D concept has attracted many researchers to develop its
potential in the past decade (Wanga, Zhanga, Chaub, & Anson, 2004).

1.2 Problem description


Construction planning is a challenging and essential activity in the execution and
management of construction projects (Hendrickson, 2000). According to Chevallier &
Russell cited in (Heesom & Mahdjoubi, 2004), effective planning is one of the most
significant aspects of a construction project and the success of the project is greatly
influenced by it. However, Kelsey cited in (Heesom & Mahdjoubi, 2004) stated that
emerging evidence indicates a shortage of skill in the construction planning area, with
a decreasing number of experienced planners having the ability or knowledge to
effectively plan construction projects. A wide range of planning methodologies have
been researched and implemented but they are not qualified enough to satisfy the
desire of construction parties. There is still an enormous disparity between execution
and plan (Allen & Smallwood, 2008).

The construction plans are usually being generated by a computer based tool as 2D
charts or drawings from a long period of time with the absence of spatial features of
actual construction (Wanga, Zhanga, Chaub, & Anson, 2004). Activity based critical
path method (CPM) is the most used technique to schedule the construction process
these days. Construction planners split up a project into a number of small activities
and each activity is included in the bar chart and a network which represents the
proposed schedule of the project (Jongeling & Olofsson, 2007). The computer based
CPM scheduling has helped the construction planner to plan the construction tasks
efficiently. However, the major disadvantage of a CPM network is in the development
of correct sequencing alternatives. This process usually relies on how delays and
priorities are identified which heavily depend upon the experience and instinct of the
scheduler/planner (Dixit, 2007). According to Akbas cited in (Jongeling & Olofsson,
2007), another difficulty in the use of CPM scheduling for construction planning is

CHALMERS, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Masters Thesis 2012:27


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