A 4D CPM-Based Graphic Scheduling System

The emerging four-dimensional modeling techniques have been proven to be useful and promising in construction planning. However, the current applications in 4D modeling still lack an efficient modeling approach, an analytical capability, and a dynamic capability. This paper proposed a 4D-CPM-based graphical scheduling system aiming to address the problems. The system synergizes the creating of a conflict-free 4D model into the process of schedule development, generates and adjusts the workspace semi-automatically according to different construction methods and user options, and identifies space time conflict efficiently by analyzing the CPM network topology. It complements the traditional CPM scheduling and 3D modeling method, and could serve as an effective explanative communication tool in construction project management. The proposed system could be enhanced in three aspects: formalize a 4D topological framework, develop a 4D construction database, and enhance the collaborative and interactive capability to cater for large scale projects.