BIM extended into construction planning. Test sequences, costs and performance scenarios before work begins on site.
Traditional planning works from drawings and spreadsheets — disconnected from spatial reality. VDC links construction sequences, logistics and costs directly to the coordinated BIM model.
Trade conflicts discovered during installation instead of planning. Rework costs 5–10x what it would cost to resolve in the model.
Sequences planned in spreadsheets. Logistics conflicts and trade overlaps emerge too late to fix without cost.
Quantities from 2D drawings. Design changes evaluated without cost impact. Budgets drift unseen.
VDC uses coordinated BIM models to simulate construction before work begins. Design models linked with schedule, cost and logistics data. Project teams test sequences, evaluate alternatives and reduce risk.
| Layer | What it is | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Coordinated Model | The base - clash-free BIM geometry. This is the input from BIM Delivery, not something VDC creates. | Federated Revit model, Navisworks coordination, clash-free disciplines |
| 2 Data Enrichment | External data linked to model elements - this is what makes the model simulatable. | Programme tasks linked to elements, cost codes mapped to quantities, material carbon values assigned |
| 3 Scenario Testing | Change a parameter, swap a material, resequence a phase - the model recalculates the impact. | Swap cladding system and see cost delta, resequence structure and see programme impact, test material and see carbon difference |
| 4 Simulation Output | The answer the model gives back - what you present to the project team for decisions. | 4D visual sequence, 5D cost comparison, sustainability certification tracking, VE trade-off report |
Link construction sequences to the federated BIM model. Simulate phasing and logistics before site mobilisation.
Link model quantities to cost data. Real-time budget analysis, tracking and forecasting.
Environmental impact and building performance modelling against LEED, Estidama and other certification targets.
Simulation layered on coordinated BIM. Feasibility through to construction monitoring.
Define which simulation dimensions apply - 4D, 5D, sustainability, or all three
Review master programme and identify critical path items for simulation
Map cost codes and BOQ structure to model elements for 5D integration
Verify coordinated BIM model is simulation-ready - completeness, LOD, naming standards
Segment model into construction zones, phases, and trade packages for sequencing
Link programme tasks to model elements (4D) and cost codes to quantities (5D)
Run construction sequence simulations, test alternatives, identify logistics conflicts
Generate model-linked cost reports, track budget against programme, run VE scenarios
Embodied carbon, energy modelling, material optimisation against certification targets
Visual reports showing sequence, cost, and sustainability analysis with recommendations
Present scenarios to project team - compare options with data-backed trade-offs
Track actual vs. planned progress using 4D model as the benchmark
Templates to define simulation scope, set deliverable standards and structure data so 4D, 5D and sustainability analysis work.