4D Building Information Modelling: A Systematic Mapping Study

Building Information Modeling (BIM) represents a procedural and technological transition that emerges as a change agent in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. 4D modeling refers to a BIM dimension that associates the 3D model of an enterprise with the planning schedule information, providing the visualization of the actual sequence of construction activity. Interactions with 3D models are discussed and debated extensively in research, when in fact, 4D modeling is less discussed, thus there is a knowledge gap that can be explored. In this way, this article aims to know the current scenario of the studies that approach the 4D modeling theme in an international context. For this, a systematic mapping study was performed, covering only the researches in scientific paper format published between the years of 2006 and 2016. After establishing inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 148 articles were analyzed in this study. In the logical organization of the subject phase, bibliometric indicators were applied for analysis of the sample regarding the temporal evolution of the publications, publications by country, institution and author, and most commonly used keywords. Finally, the articles were also classified as to their content, and 10 categories were identified for them. The category containing the highest number of articles refers to the barriers, opportunities and impacts observe d in the implementation of BIM 4D. It also includes surveys that measure the 4D BIM utilization rate by professionals, companies and countries. The results show that the number of studies published on 4D BIM has grown over the years, with the United States being the country that produces the most in the area. This fact suggests that US policies to encourage the adoption of BIM have been providing positive effects, serving as an example for other countries.