How to make a BIM construction site safer and efficient

BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a working methodology that allows managing all information related to a construction project in an integrated and digital way. The BIM construction site is an innovative approach that integrates BIM with the digitization of the construction site, leading to the creation of the digital construction site 4.0.

In this article, we will see how to use the BIM methodology supported by BIM-based software (specifically a construction site management BIM software) to optimize production processes and increase worker safety levels through the construction of a virtual prototype of the construction site that simulates its conditions, spatial organization, and dynamic progression over time. Following this approach, you can read all about a case study: the New Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Hospital of the “Stella Maris” Foundation in Pisa.

Render of the final project, perspective view

What is BIM construction site organization?

Organizing the BIM construction site means planning all the construction activities of a project in terms of space and time and associating them with the 3D geometric project model.

The result is a complete informative model that systematizes information related to the entire life cycle of the artifact: from design, to construction, from maintenance, to decommissioning.

Improper organization of the construction site can negatively affect productivity and cause delays in the delivery of works, also increasing the costs budgeted during the design phase.

To best manage the construction site, it is possible to use BIM models that simplify planning and logistics leading to optimal project management and implementation.

BIM and construction site organization

How BIM allows organizing the construction site

BIM offers advanced tools for organizing the construction site, allowing the coordination of design, construction, and management activities efficiently and integratively. Some of the main benefits of BIM for construction site organization are:

1. planning activities based on 3D models and project information;
2. coordination of human resources, equipment, and materials;
3. real-time monitoring and control of activities;
4. management of changes and project variations;
5. collaboration among the different actors involved in the project through the use of cloud platforms and integrated applications to improve communication and information exchange, organizing online meetings and group chats.

To manage the coordination of activities, monitoring of times, tasks, and responsibilities of each actor involved in the construction process, the support of a construction management software is necessary. This way, you can easily and effectively manage any problems, unforeseen events, or project variations by tracking their progress until resolution.

What are the benefits of construction site management with BIM?

BIM construction site management offers numerous advantages compared to traditional methods. Think, for example, of:

1. greater efficiency in planning and executing works;
2. reduction of waste and costs;
3. improvement of construction quality;
4. increase in on-site safety;
5. facilitation of communication and collaboration among the various actors involved in the project.

Can BIM be used for construction site modeling?

Among the various advantages and uses of BIM, we also find management of the project implementation phase. BIM can indeed be used to model the construction site in 3D and 4D using specific BIM software and generate real virtual models useful for safety study, activity simulation, and worker training.

The construction site model is automatically integrated with safety plans and allows you to:

• understand the evolution of the construction site following the different planned works;
• verify the space-time overlaps of the works;
• highlight the risks generated by the contingent logistical and spatial situation;
• manage the different executive phases with 4D representation of models and spatial interference of activities;
• produce executive graphic documents (plans, sections, elevations, floor plans, and tables) always updated and connected to the model (each model modification automatically updates the documents);
• create real-time renders of the construction site and models to navigate online and in immersive virtual reality for virtual site visits;
• share the construction site model in the cloud in IFC format;
• simulate risk scenarios useful for worker training and education.

All these activities can be managed with a single BIM construction management software with which to design safely, prevent risks, and dynamically integrate the BIM model with safety plans.

BIM and construction site layout

How to create construction site layouts through 3D BIM models

Thanks to 3D BIM models, it is possible to create accurate and detailed construction site layouts, which allow optimizing the organization of the construction site and preventing potential conflicts between various activities. The process of creating construction site layouts through 3D BIM models involves the following steps:

1. creation of the 3D BIM model of the entire project with BIM architectural design software;
2. definition of work areas and storage zones;
3. placement of equipment and transport vehicles;
4. planning of internal circulation routes on the construction site;
5. verification and validation of the construction site layout.

BIM and safety on the construction site

How to improve safety on the construction site through BIM

BIM can significantly contribute to safety on the construction site, thanks to its ability to provide detailed and updated information on the project and site conditions.

Among the main strategies to improve safety on the construction site through BIM, we can mention:

1. identification and prevention of risks through 3D model analysis;
2. planning safety measures in the construction site layout;
3. training and personnel development through simulations and virtual reality;
4. real-time monitoring and control of safety conditions.

How to use BIM for construction site safety training

When the construction site is virtualized, the virtual scenario becomes the context, and virtual reality becomes the best tool to develop worker training and prepare them for the knowledge and management of the construction site and the activities they will be performing.

A “learning by virtually doing” approach that allows workers to know the risks and how to manage them, having virtually carried out the activities they will actually perform, optimizing construction time as well.

Therefore, BIM can also be used for personnel safety training, through the use of 3D models, simulations, and virtual reality. This allows you to:

1. illustrate safety procedures clearly and understandably;
2. simulate emergency and risk situations;
3. train staff on the correct intervention and behavior methods on the construction site;
4. verify the effectiveness of the safety measures adopted.

BIM construction site: virtual reality applied to worker training

BIM and Time Management on Construction Sites

How to Monitor 4D BIM and All Construction Phases on Site through BIM

The 4D BIM is the process that creates intelligent links between the 3D digital model (defining the geometry of the work) and the information related to the execution time of the various activities necessary to carry out the work. This way, a real simulation of the construction phases of the work, or its elements, based on time as well as space, is achieved.

These models offer realistic views of the entire project and the entire sequencing process of the works. Furthermore, all the useful information for carrying out the work (laying schemes, technical sheets, assembly manuals, etc.) is associated with the geometric model.

In the event of ongoing changes during construction, the BIM model is modified and all views and documents are automatically updated in real time. It is also possible to analyze the consequences on the activity sequence, final delivery times of the work, costs, etc. induced by the changes made.

The virtual model facilitates collaboration among the main stakeholders who can clearly understand the phases, sequences, logistics, and their impacts on the construction site. Any potential problems can be identified in advance and corrected before actual construction begins.

Thanks to the 4D-Gantt environment, it is possible to:

1. create a detailed timeline of construction activities;
2. simulate the evolution of the construction site by predicting interferences and overlaps;
3. predict and prevent delays and conflicts between activities;
4. monitor the progress of work in real time;
5. evaluate the impact of project changes on execution times.

BIM site organization – schedule

BIM and Logistics on Site

Site logistics involves the organized management of material flows, equipment, and people within the construction area. Effective site logistics is essential to avoid operational interference, reduce downtime, and ensure safety.

With the adoption of BIM models, site logistics can be planned accurately already in the design phase, thanks to 4D simulation and dynamically modeled layouts. BIM allows for visualizing the evolution of activities over time and space, anticipating logistical criticalities and improving coordination among the various companies involved.

This capability of BIM to integrate logistics already in the design phase represents a significant evolution compared to traditional management, and it is precisely in this context that the BIM logistics approach emerges as a key tool for improving the overall organization of the site.

How BIM Logistics Improves Site Organization

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has emerged as a breakthrough in optimizing site logistics and offers several advantages, transforming the way construction projects are planned, executed, and managed.

The creation of a 3D model of the site with the layout, machinery, equipment, work areas, storage areas, and access points allows for improved planning processes through simulations of construction sequences and analysis of all existing constraints.

With a BIM model of the site, it is indeed possible to manage all digital information related to the entire lifecycle of a constructed asset.

With a complete BIM model of the site, costs can be reduced and logistical challenges minimized through:

• the reduction of material waste;
• the improvement of inventory management;
• the decrease of site congestion;
• the optimization of traffic management;
• the better identification of potential hazards.

Creating a Site Logistics Plan with BIM

A BIM logistics plan is generally created before the start of construction and the definition of the site.

After modeling the construction area by creating a logistics plan associated with the model itself, the following are detailed:

• access points to various areas, such as the site and the lot;
• the assembly area, loading area, lifting area, crane positioning area, waste management area, cafeteria area, security gates, concrete pump areas, truck unloading point;
• various other useful information for the project is analyzed and integrated into the model.

Conventional plans often do not include a clear planning process for managing various activities, such as resource distribution and personnel organization, often causing delays in delivery times and rework, especially when it comes to complex tasks.

A digital BIM model of the site adapts to various situations and potential setbacks that may arise, optimizing planning and communicating effectively with stakeholders on site.

Being a dynamic model, in case of changes during execution, it is modified, and all views and documents are automatically updated in real-time.

Advantages of Using Software for Site Logistics

A software for site and logistics management with site planning allows you to obtain a series of advantages such as:

• 4D simulation and planning;
• analysis of the site’s evolution over time and during different phases by analyzing interferences and overlaps;
• detection and resolution of conflicts;
• development of dynamic overviews of risks and preventive measures to be adopted;
• management and analysis of data;
• production of relevant and always updated site layouts.

Logistics Simulation on Site with 4D BIM Technology

A software for 4D site logistics simulation allows for the management of different construction phases with a 4D representation of models (3D + time) and the management of spatial interferences related to each activity.

Starting from the construction of the WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) of your project, which involves breaking down the project work phases into elementary periods and their direct connection to the various building objects present in the BIM model, it is possible to bring the “timeline” to life, which allows for a better understanding of how the site evolves over time and how different activities overlap, highlighting the risks generated by logistical and spatial contingencies.

To create a logistics simulation of the site with 4D technology, the first step is the modeling of the site, which can be conveniently imported from Google Maps.

Terrain modeling with CerTus HSBIM

The next step is the creation and organization of the construction site with the insertion of specific BIM objects already present in the software.

Modeling areas with CerTus HSBIM

Insertion of construction elements with CerTus HSBIM

Below it is advisable to import the project model in IFC format, in order to directly produce floor plans, sections, and elevations of the entire construction site area.

Importing IFC model of the construction with CerTus HSBIM

Generation views of the construction site with CerTus HSBIM

Now all you have to do is create the 4D version of your model and watch how your construction site evolves over time.

Evolution of the construction site over time with CerTus HSBIM

The New Stella Maris Hospital Project

The case study examines the project of the “New Stella Maris Hospital” of the IRCSS Stella Maris Foundation, designed as a specialized hospital for the treatment of childhood autism, located in Cisanello, Pisa. The building, with an irregular “star-shaped” floor plan with three points, covers approximately 2600 m² spread over four above-ground floors, with an overall height of about 16 meters and a basement. The layout of the spaces revolves around a central core, from which three branches extend for different functions.

The reference documents for the ongoing work include the Safety and Coordination Plan of the work, developed in the executive phase, and the corresponding BIM models for the various disciplines involved. These BIM models have been created using Autodesk Revit software and are organized as follows:

• federated model: a model containing links to all related disciplinary models, including:
  • architectural model: includes all internal and external architectural elements, including horizontal and vertical claddings, with a medium-high level of graphic detail but limited from an informational point of view;
  • structural model: contains the main structural elements of the project, without details on joints and minor elements;
  • plant model: includes components of the ventilation and air conditioning system, such as AHUs, ducts, and terminals;
  • construction site model: organized by phases, it is intended for the design and management of construction site activities for the realization of the work.

Additionally, the ergotechnical model, both in the design and production phase, aims to define the productivity, sustainability, safety, and profitability needs of the planned interventions and to identify the actual organization of the construction site and necessary resources.

Description of the construction site model

To optimize the construction time of the work, the design of the construction activities and the creation of the related BIM model followed the principle of dividing the project into three parts entrusted to three different teams/companies. These teams operate autonomously and simultaneously in the construction area, each using a separate tower crane.

The construction site area has been designed to allow activities to be carried out simultaneously without interference. To this end, the following have been provided:

• fixed areas (logistics area, company area, and storage area) intended for common use by the different work teams, located laterally to the construction area near the entrance;
• a main drivable construction lane one-way, for common use, allowing access to all parts of the construction site;
• three operational areas near the intervention area, each reserved for the exclusive use of the three work teams. Within each area, spaces have been set up for storage, parking, driveways, and processing, including the tower crane.

The BIM model of the construction site for the project includes the following components:

• fences of various types to delimit the construction site and internal areas;
• parapets of various types for areas with overhangs greater than 2 meters;
• temporary works such as scaffolding and formwork for the construction of structures;
• huts of various composition and use;
• specific storage areas represented as volumes;
• equipment, machinery, and other significant components for the construction design, such as cranes;
• stratigraphic packages of different types of flooring related to the area;
• the project schedule, which defines the sequence and duration of activities necessary for the realization of the work, is a fundamental document. Based on the sequences of the project schedule, all models and related components have been organized by phases.

BIM construction site visualization

Detailed Description of the 4D and 5D BIM Information Model Case Study

The case study was modeled using the software Certus HSBIM, following the actual construction site layout and integrating the defined work phases in the schedule, analyzing each modeling step. This tool allowed to model the case study of the Stella Maris Hospital in Pisa, offering advanced functionalities for the management of the construction site’s 3D model.

The software provides three distinct working environments: the terrain, the construction site, and the Gantt chart.

In the first environment, it is possible to modify the construction site’s plan based on the defined work phases in the project, allowing for the creation of different construction site layouts. In the second environment, you can select and insert various BIM objects, such as equipment and machinery, directly from the program’s library. Finally, in the third environment, you can plan the work phases and manage the construction site’s progress times through the creation of a schedule.

For the analysis, the construction site model of the case study was created within Certus-HSBIM, including the site plan, layouts, and work zones, as well as the building itself imported from the IFC format from Revit. Subsequently, the work activities schedule was developed.

Analysis of the Information Model and Software Used

Creation of the Construction Site Context and Layout (Terrain Environment)

The initial phase of modeling focused on the terrain environment, the first of the three working environments, where excavation operations and the construction site layout were carried out. The creation of the lot plan was done through the Google Maps Importer, an integrated tool in Certus-HSBIM. This tool allows to identify and insert portions of the plan into the three-dimensional model using the mouse cursor.

To simulate different construction site layout configurations during the construction phase, several phases or “progress stages” of the terrain were created. Each phase corresponds to a different configuration of the site during construction works. Seven project levels were defined, representing the seven configurations of the intervention area and construction site layout, from the initial phase to the final completion phase of the project.

During the process, several entities were created to model the construction site over time, including:

• terrain areas and earth movement areas to identify the portions of land affected by excavation and fill activities;
• paved areas for the paved portions within the construction site;
• roads to identify the paved surfaces within the construction site area;
• zones for different area typologies in a construction site, such as storage and loading/unloading areas;
• ramps to create sloped accesses within the model;
• boundaries, including fences and guardrails, to define the boundaries of different work and storage areas.

Two types of paving were also developed for different areas of the construction site: asphalted for the main areas and non-asphalted for support areas for operations.

Overall, the information model and the Certus-HSBIM software allowed for a detailed analysis and planning of the construction site over time.

Building model in IFC format

Construction Site Modeling (Site Environment)

After completing the excavations and the construction site layout in the ground environment, we moved to the second working environment, the construction site environment, where all the construction site elements were positioned, such as equipment and vehicles, to model the entire construction site context. During this phase, the model of the Stella Maris hospital building was also imported using the IFC format. From the analysis of the library objects within Certus-HSBIM, it emerged that they are not fully customizable, allowing only the modification of materials but not the dimensions of the objects. The only exception is represented by the “crane” object, which is editable both in terms of dimensions and height.

For the construction site modeling, various types of objects were inserted, including:

• logistic services such as tanks, sheds, offices, bathrooms, warehouses, and changing rooms;
• construction vehicles such as excavators, trucks, and concrete mixers;
• 3D blocks such as cars and cranes;
• tower cranes.

Subsequently, the building model was inserted as an IFC object within the construction site. This function allows manually placing an IFC object within the construction site model. The properties of the IFC object allow selecting the desired type of positioning, such as absolute positioning based on geometric coordinates.

The IFC model is fully editable in terms of display style, allowing showing or hiding certain parts and assigning transparencies and colors as needed. Furthermore, the IFC file is updatable, so any changes made to the building model outside of Certus-HSBIM are immediately reflected in the construction site model without the need for further importation.

Schedule and Gantt Chart

Once the model was configured, the work schedule was created in the Gantt environment, distinguishing the various work phases and managing the activities. Certus-HSBIM allows managing the execution phases with a 4D representation of the models and managing spatial interferences of the activities.

The Gantt environment allows creating a WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) to divide the project into periods according to the necessary level of detail and associate objects with them. Various activities corresponding to the work schedule were inserted into the model.

Each activity was associated with its duration and the corresponding objects in the construction site model described above. Once all the necessary properties were configured, the construction site management BIM software offers the possibility to monitor the progress of the construction site through an animated simulation of the work progress.

The settings used for the construction site model of the Stella Maris hospital include:

• visibility styles: to set the display style of objects during the simulation of the work progress;
• activity list: to display information related to the activities of the schedule;
• activity tools: to associate BIM objects with a visibility style based on their characteristics.

Thanks to the BIM model of the construction site, it was possible to optimize the construction times through analysis and evaluations. The construction site simulation led to changes in the initial construction assumptions, with the definition of three distinct autonomous operational sites, three teams working simultaneously, and three separate cranes operating simultaneously, one for each site.

FAQ – BIM Site Organization

What is BIM applied to site management?

BIM (Building Information Modeling) applied to the site is a digital approach that allows for the modeling, planning, and integrated management of all phases of a construction project. It integrates spatial and temporal data, improving logistics, safety, and productivity.

How does BIM improve site organization?

Through 3D and 4D modeling, BIM allows for the planning of activities in relation to space and time, optimizing the use of resources and materials, identifying interferences, preventing delays, and automatically updating information in case of changes.

What advantages does a BIM site offer compared to traditional methods?

• Better planning of activities and logistics.
• Reduction of waste and costs.
• Increased safety.
• More effective collaboration among the parties involved.
• Greater control over timelines and project changes.

Is it possible to use BIM for safety on site?

Yes, thanks to the simulation of risk scenarios, real-time monitoring, and the integration of safety plans. BIM also allows for immersive training of personnel through virtual reality.

How do you create a site layout with BIM?

It starts from the 3D BIM model of the project, operational areas are defined, equipment and pathways are positioned, the layout is verified, and it is integrated with the temporal planning (4D) to simulate the evolution of the site.

What is 4D BIM and how does it help in time management?

4D BIM links the 3D model to temporal information, allowing for the simulation of construction phases over time. It helps to prevent conflicts, monitor the progress of work, and assess the impact of changes on timelines.