BIM-Based 4D and 5D Construction Planning Techniques: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has emerged as a transformative technology in the construction industry, enabling enhanced integration of design, scheduling, and cost management. Among its advanced applications, 4D BIM (time-based planning) and 5D BIM (cost-based planning) have gained significant attention for improving construction planning and project control. This paper presents a systematic review of academic literature on BIM-based 4D and 5D construction planning techniques. A total of twenty peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers were analyzed to identify current applications, benefits, challenges, and emerging research trends. The review reveals that while 4D and 5D BIM substantially improve visualization, coordination, schedule reliability, and cost accuracy, their implementation is constrained by interoperability issues, limited automation, and organizational resistance. Recent studies indicate a growing integration of digital twins and artificial intelligence to enhance predictive planning capabilities. The findings provide a structured understanding of the state of the art and highlight key research gaps for future investigation.

Introduction

The construction industry faces challenges such as fragmented information, schedule delays, and cost overruns. Traditional 2D planning methods often fail to capture project complexities. Building Information Modeling (BIM) addresses these limitations by integrating geometric and non-geometric data in a shared environment. Initially focused on 3D modeling and clash detection, BIM has evolved into 4D BIM (time-based planning) and 5D BIM (cost estimation and control), enabling stakeholders to simulate schedules, optimize resources, and manage costs effectively.

Research Methodology:
A systematic literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed articles from databases like Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. Studies included focused on 4D/5D BIM for construction projects and were published in English. Data were analyzed thematically across 4D BIM applications, 5D BIM applications, integrated 4D/5D frameworks, and emerging technologies.

Key Findings:

• BIM in Construction Planning:

  • Centralizes information and enhances collaboration.

  • Improves decision-making, reduces information loss, and increases transparency.

  • Benefits depend on implementation maturity, data quality, and organizational readiness.

• 4D BIM (Time-Based Planning):

  • Integrates schedules with 3D models to visualize project progression.

  • Supports schedule simulation, site logistics, sequencing, and safety planning.

  • Challenges include manual linking, scalability issues, and software interoperability.

• 5D BIM (Cost Estimation):

  • Adds cost information to BIM models for quantity take-off, budget tracking, and cost forecasting.

  • Enhances cost accuracy, early-stage control, and value engineering.

  • Limitations include model quality dependency, lack of standardized cost databases, and professional resistance.

• Integrated 4D/5D BIM:

  • Combines time and cost data for holistic planning, time–cost trade-offs, and scenario analysis.

  • Useful for complex and infrastructure projects but often relies on semi-automated workflows.

• Emerging Trends:

  • Integration of digital twins enables real-time model synchronization with physical progress.

  • Artificial Intelligence supports predictive scheduling and probabilistic cost analysis.

  • Adoption is limited due to technical complexity and data requirements.

Research Gaps and Future Directions:

1. Limited automation of BIM workflows.

2. Lack of standardized implementation frameworks.

3. Insufficient lifecycle-based validation studies.

4. Low adoption among small and medium-sized enterprises.

Future research should prioritize automation, standardization, integration with AI and digital twins, and empirical validation across diverse projects.

Conclusion

This systematic review demonstrates that BIM-based 4D and 5D construction planning techniques significantly enhance project visualization, coordination, schedule reliability, and cost accuracy. While numerous benefits have been documented, challenges related to interoperability, automation, and organizational adoption remain unresolved. Emerging research on digital twins and AI suggests a shift toward predictive and adaptive construction planning. Addressing existing limitations will be critical for realizing the full potential of BIM-based planning in the construction industry.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Kalayarasan J, Rahul R, Dinesh M, Sachin T, Vinesh Kumar D. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.