Impact of using a formalized methodology for conflict detection based on 4D-BIM

In construction projects, when resources assigned to two or more simultaneous activities share the same workspace, they generate time-space conflicts associated with congestion, safety, and quality issues. The use of building information modeling (BIM) methodologies, particularly four-dimensional (4D) models, offers the possibility to facilitate the identification of these types of conflicts. Existing literature has proposed formal methods for conflict detection; however, these largely focus on automating computational analyses without providing a practical and useful procedure for planners. Moreover, previous research has not evaluated the impact of using formal conflict detection methodologies. To address these gaps, this study proposes and evaluates the use of a formal conflict detection methodology in workspaces based on 4D-BIM. The research methodology includes a first stage that develops and validates the formalized conflict detection methodology through a literature review and interviews with field professionals. The second stage quantifies the impact of using the proposed methodology through an experiment that compares the effectiveness and efficiency of a group of planners in detecting conflicts using 4D-BIM models with and without the proposed methodology. The results demonstrate that the formalized methodology enhances the planning process by increasing the detection of conflicts from 18% to 82%. Additionally, the formalized methodology reduces review time by 23% and enhances user experience. These findings contribute to improving the planning process by managing and reducing time-space conflicts in construction schedules. Consequently, the construction process will become more efficient by averting issues related to productivity, safety, and quality based on the identification of workspace conflicts. Last, the proposed methodology contributes to a better adoption of BIM by providing a structured procedure for using the 4D-BIM model to support planning processes.