Multidimensional modelling: an improvement mechanism for the Management of construction projects

Abstract

Multidimensional modeling is the digital, visual, automated representation of the different parts of a project, using commercially available software or a single computational tool. A dimension is any variable that a professional needs to know and analyze in order to manage a construction project, which can be used during the entire life cycle of the project, from design to operation. The modeled dimensions were surface area, space, time, building sequence and execution strategy, cubage and quantity, cost, safety, and history of activities. Performance indicators were used to evaluate the use of the proposed modeling method as a tool to improve project management. The method of trial and error using three cases (construction projects in Chile) was used to validate and to evaluate that method. The use of multidimensional modeling made the processes of planning, control, and coordination of the studied project cases easier and more transparent. It resulted in higher availability, consistency, accessibility, reliability of information, reduction of uncertainty for professionals and workers in general in terms of project scope and performance, faster and better decision-making, and better understanding and communication among project participants.