Using 3D and 4D models to improve jobsite communication – virtual huddles case study

This paper explores the unique challenges and opportunities of communicating design and construction information at the jobsite and describes the format and content of an information delivery method that we call Virtual Huddles (VDC-aided morning jobsite meetings). The research method used is direct participation in a test case (the construction of the concrete structure for a multi-family housing project) using VDC methods on a daily basis for approximately 4 months to support more than 40 daily morning meetings with the contractor’s field workers and staff. From the case observations and a structured interview, we observed that huddles are more effective when the content focuses on specific work instead of generic training or safety talks. However, it is not effective to deliver a high level of detail since workers will quickly forget it and come back later for specific dimensions. We also found that, on a daily basis, 3D models work better than 4D models. Some of the most important impacts of the huddles are a change in the structure of information distribution that empowers the laborers, a higher engagement of the laborers with the project, and an improvement in the communication between the contractor’s site management staff and the laborers.