4.2 Sequence BIM Models

In this tutorial learn how to sequence a 3D model to simulate the construction process.

Summary:

• • To control the visibility of a 3D model, access the model browser located in the top left corner of the viewer.
  • Use the timeline function to sequence building models and their components between milestones.
  • The timeline function allows you to specify the first and final milestones where the model elements will be visible.

Typical Workflow:     

1. Create a milestone for each section of the construction that needs to be shown.                                   
   • In this simplified example, we will sequence by level, but you can divide it into smaller steps based on the actual construction.
   • The level of detail in the sequence depends on how the building model is split into its constituent parts, allowing each element to be linked to the timeline individually.
2. Open the model browser and navigate to Building Models.                                                                   
   • Select the first node in the tree to choose the entire model, then right-click and choose "Temporary hide."
3.  Next, go to the first milestone where you want to display the building model (e.g., foundation).          
   • Right-click on the foundation model element in the tree and select "Begin from this milestone" or use the shortcut Ctrl + B.
   • This action will apply to subsequent milestones as well.
   • Use relevant temporary resources to indicate the progress at this stage (e.g., concrete trucks, workers, etc.).
4. Move to the next milestone and reveal the next part of the building to be constructed (e.g., Level 1). 
   • Note that both the foundation and Level 1 will be visible at this milestone. 
5. Repeat this process, advancing through the milestones, and linking the model elements from the tree to the timeline to create the construction sequence.

Additional Ways to Sequence a 3D Model:

1. Use the lasso selection method to select elements in your model and sequence them in the timeline:
   • Firstly, check if temporary hide/show is applied to the model, it will be displayed as a highlighted blue banner at the bottom of the model browser.
   • Click the close button to reset all temporary hide/show settings.
   • To select multiple elements in the model, hold Ctrl on your keyboard and drag the mouse pointer across the model in the viewer. 
   • Right-click on the selected elements in the viewer and choose "Edit model element." 
   • In the timeline function, use the "From" and "To" dropdown labels to define the first and last milestones visibility of selected model elements.
   • Tip: If you want to hide selected model elements from the timeline, click "Disconnect from timeline." (The element can still be temporarily shown if needed.)
2. You can also hide the terrain to have a full view of the model, then: 
   • Right-click on the model element directly in the viewer and select "Begin from this milestone."