MULTIDIMENSIONAL MODELING: A MECHANISM FOR IMPROVING CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Abstract

“Multidimensional Modeling” is an automated, visual and digital representation of various dimensions of a project which uses availably commercial software or an exclusive computational tool. A “Dimension” is any variable that a professional needs to know and analyze in order to manage a construction project, and which can be used during the whole life cycle of the project, from the design stage all the way to the operation stage. The modeled dimensions were the surface, space, time, constructive sequence and the execution strategy, quantity takeoff, cost, safety, and activities performance history.
Performance indicators were used to evaluate the use of the model which was proposed as a mechanism for improving construction project management. The validation and evaluation of the multidimensional modeling was performed using the foolproof method for three case studies (Chilean building projects).
The use of the multidimensional modeling increased transparency during project execution and simplified the coordination, control and planning processes. This was accompanied by improvements in availability, consistency, accessibility and reliability of information from the project, and with a decrease in uncertainty regarding project scope and performance. Additional observations included improvements in speed and in the decision making process, and improvements in communication among project participants.