Construction Logistics & Site Planning | 4D Simulation | BIM Takeoff
Construction Logistics & Site Coordination
Optimize Site Operations Before Breaking Ground
4D planning and visual logistics simulation.
Eliminate conflicts before they cost time and money.
Site Logistics Plans - 2D/3D/4D visualization
Crane Planning - Coverage analysis and clash detection
Sequencing Optimization - Maximum efficiency, minimum delays
Why Site Logistics Separate Winners from Losers
Reactive Site Management
Most sites plan logistics as they go:
Crane conflicts discovered mid-lift
Material deliveries block site access
Inadequate laydown space causes delays
Trade stacking and sequence conflicts
Temporary works designed multiple times
Client surprises about site impact
The Logistics Cost Multiplier
“On a £20M urban project, poor logistics adds 8-15% to programme duration. Each lost week costs £30K-80K in prelims. Proper planning saves multiples of its cost through avoided delays and optimized operations.”
Our Proactive Logistics Solution
Virtual construction planning before mobilization:
Crane conflicts resolved in 3D before hire
Delivery schedules coordinated with space availability
Optimized layouts maximize productivity
4D simulation visualizes sequence conflicts
Single temporary works design used throughout
Client visualization builds confidence and reduces surprises
Our Comprehensive Logistics Services
Virtual Construction Planning
Site Logistics Plans
2D/3D Layouts
- Temporary works placement
- Welfare facilities and site offices
- Material storage and laydown areas
- Plant and equipment locations
- Pedestrian and vehicle routes
- Hoarding and access points
Deliverables: CAD drawings and 3D models
Crane & Hoist Planning
Coverage Analysis
- Crane type selection and positioning
- Lift zone coverage mapping
- Over-sailing and radius checks
- Multiple crane coordination
- Mobile crane positioning
- Hoist capacity and locations
Deliverables: Coverage diagrams and 3D simulations
4D Planning
Time-Based Simulation
- Link 3D model to construction programme
- Visualize build sequence over time
- Identify spatial conflicts
- Optimize resource movements
- Generate animation for stakeholders
- Support planning workshops
Deliverables: 4D animations and flythrough videos
Delivery Management
Just-In-Time Scheduling
- Material delivery schedules
- Consolidation center planning
- Off-site manufacturing coordination
- Supplier access requirements
- Unloading and handling logistics
- Permit-to-load management
Deliverables: Detailed delivery schedules
Temporary Works
Design Coordination
- Scaffolding and access strategies
- Temporary supports and propping
- Protection and hoarding
- Site roads and hardstanding
- Power and services
- Welfare and site establishment
Deliverables: Temporary works schedules and drawings
Sequencing Optimization
Efficiency Analysis
- Trade installation sequences
- Critical path optimization
- Work front planning
- Float analysis and protection
- Parallel working opportunities
- Milestone achievement planning
Deliverables: Optimized construction programme
Integrated approach: All logistics services work together for comprehensive site planning.
Our Proven 5-Step Logistics Planning Process
Step 1: Site Analysis & Constraints
Duration: 3-5 days
What We Do:
- Site visit and survey (topography, access, boundaries)
- Review site constraints (neighbours, highways, utilities)
- Identify permit and approval requirements
- Assess existing structures and obstructions
- Understand client operational constraints
- Review programme and key milestones
What You Receive: Site constraints report with opportunities/risks
Step 2: Concept Logistics Planning
Duration: 5-10 days
What We Do:
- Develop site layout options (2-3 alternatives)
- Preliminary crane/hoist positioning
- Identify temporary works requirements
- Plan major deliveries and access routes
- Assess welfare and facility needs
- Present options with pros/cons
What You Receive: Concept logistics plans for review
Step 3: Detailed Design & 3D Modeling
Duration: 10-15 days
What We Do:
- Develop selected option into detailed design
- Create 3D site model with temporary works
- Perform crane coverage and over-sailing analysis
- Design delivery routes and turning circles
- Coordinate with subcontractors and suppliers
- Check compliance with regulations
What You Receive: Detailed 2D/3D logistics plans
Step 4: 4D Simulation & Optimization
Duration: 5-10 days
What We Do:
- Link site model to construction programme
- Create 4D construction sequence simulation
- Identify spatial and temporal conflicts
- Optimize phasing and work fronts
- Generate animations for stakeholder communication
- Refine programme based on 4D insights
What You Receive: 4D animations and optimized programme
Step 5: Implementation Support
Duration: Ongoing (as needed)
What We Do:
- Prepare site setup drawings for contractor
- Support pre-construction planning meetings
- Assist with temporary works submissions
- Update plans for design/programme changes
- Provide on-site support during mobilization
- Monthly logistics review and optimization
What You Receive: Continuous planning support
Total Planning Duration: 20-40 working days | Implementation Support: Throughout construction
Project Types We Plan
High-Rise Construction
Tower cranes, multiple hoists, vertical logistics, small footprints, urban constraints
Complex Refurbishment
Live buildings, phased access, protection, occupant coordination, limited space
Large-Scale Groundworks
Earthworks sequencing, haul roads, muck-away, piling rigs, dewatering
Operational Facilities
Hospitals, data centers, airports - working around live operations
Infrastructure Projects
Roads, bridges, utilities - public interface, traffic management, phasing
Modular & Offsite
Factory logistics, transport planning, just-in-time delivery, assembly sequencing
Software & Technologies We Use
Planning & Simulation Tools
Professional-grade software for logistics planning:
Navisworks - 4D simulation and clash detection
Synchro PRO - Advanced 4D/5D construction planning
Primavera P6 - Construction scheduling
AutoCAD/Revit - 2D/3D site modeling
SketchUp - Quick 3D visualization
GEOPAK - Civil engineering and earthworks
Specialized Analysis
Crane and logistics-specific tools:
Cranimax - Tower crane planning software
3D Lift Plan - Mobile crane planning
AutoTURN - Vehicle turning analysis
Manufacturer tools - Liebherr, Potain crane config
GPS/Survey - Site topography and as-built
What’s Included in Our Logistics Planning
Standard Deliverables
Every logistics planning engagement includes:
2D Site Layout Plans (AutoCAD format)
3D Site Models (Revit or SketchUp)
Crane Coverage Analysis (lift zones and radii)
Phasing Plans (show evolution over time)
Logistics Schedules (deliveries, temp works)
Supporting Documentation (reports and analysis)
Optional Enhancements
Strengthen your logistics planning:
4D Animations - Time-based construction simulation
VR Walkthroughs - Immersive site visualization
Traffic Management Plans - Highways approvals
Environmental Impact - Noise, dust, vibration modeling
On-Site Support - Weekly logistics coordination
Lean Construction Planning - Last Planner System integration
Monthly Updates - Replan for actual progress
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should we engage logistics planning on a project?
A: Ideally at RIBA Stage 3 (Spatial Coordination) or earlier for complex sites. This allows logistics constraints to inform design decisions. Absolute latest: 8-12 weeks before site mobilization. Urban projects with crane permits require earlier engagement (16-20 weeks before start) to allow for authority approvals.
Q: Can you help us win tenders by showing better logistics solutions than competitors?
A: Absolutely! High-quality logistics planning in tender submissions demonstrates competence and de-risks the project for clients. We’ve helped contractors win multiple projects by presenting superior site planning, phasing strategies, and 4D animations that competitors couldn’t match. Typical investment: £8K-15K, often the margin between winning and losing £10M+ contracts.
Q: Do you handle temporary works design or just coordination?
A: We coordinate temporary works requirements and prepare schedules, but detailed structural design (scaffolding, falsework, propping) must be by certified Temporary Works Design companies. We work closely with TWC (Temporary Works Coordinator) and TWS (Temporary Works Supervisor) to ensure integrated planning. We can recommend specialist TW design firms if needed.
Q: Can you optimize our existing site layout to improve efficiency?
A: Yes! Mid-project optimization is common. We analyze current layouts, identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies, and propose improvements. Typical savings: 10-20% improvement in productivity through better material placement, optimized routes, and reduced double-handling. Most beneficial when implemented during natural break points (e.g., topping out, phase transitions).
Q: What if we don’t have a BIM model yet?
A: We can work from 2D drawings to create 3D site models for logistics planning. For early-stage projects, even sketch designs are sufficient for concept logistics. The earlier we’re engaged, the more value we add - but we can deliver useful planning at any stage, even with limited design information.
Q: How accurate are your crane coverage analyses?
A: Very accurate when based on manufacturer specifications. We use actual crane data from Liebherr, Potain, Wolff, etc. Analysis includes wind speed deratings, load charts, and boom configurations. We identify 100% of coverage gaps and over-sailing conflicts in 3D before crane selection. Typical outcome: optimal crane positioning saving £50K-200K vs “guessed” placement.
Q: Can you create 4D animations for client presentations?
A: Yes! 4D animations are excellent stakeholder communication tools. We create professional animations showing construction sequences, phasing, and logistics operations over time. These are invaluable for: client confidence, planning approvals, neighbor engagement, and internal team coordination. Typical cost: £5K-15K for 2-5 minute professional animation depending on complexity.
Q: Do you provide on-site support during construction?
A: Yes, we offer weekly or monthly site visits for logistics coordination support. Services include: reviewing actual vs planned layouts, updating plans for design changes, optimizing phasing based on progress, coordinating major lifts and deliveries, and attending planning meetings. Typical cost: £1,500-3,000 per visit or monthly retainer £4K-8K.
Q: What’s the typical ROI on logistics planning?
A: Clients typically save 5-15x the planning cost through: avoided crane hire errors (£50K-200K), optimized programme (2-6 weeks saved = £60K-180K prelims), reduced rework and material damage (£20K-100K), and prevented regulatory delays (invaluable). On a £20M project, £25K logistics planning investment typically returns £200K-500K in savings and risk mitigation.
Ready to Optimize Your Site Operations?
Don’t Leave Site Success to Chance
Professional logistics planning identifies conflicts before they become delays and costs.
Request Planning
Discuss your site challenges
View 4D Examples
See planning animations
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3D/4D Planning Specialists
Crane Planning Experts
Urban Site Experience
20 Years International Experience
Need Help Now?
Contact: info@bimtakeoff.com | +44 (0) 20 3239 9967
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00-17:00 CET
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