A Novel Framework for Natural Language Interaction with 4D BIM

Natural language interfaces can transform the construction industry by enhancing accessibility and reducing administrative workload in the day-to-day operations of project teams. This paper introduces the Voice-Integrated Scheduling Assistant for 4D BIM (VISA4D) tool that integrates speech recognition and Natural Language Processing (NLP) capabilities with Building Information Modeling (BIM) to streamline construction schedule updating and maintenance processes. It accepts voice and text inputs for schedule updates, facilitating real-time integration with Autodesk Navisworks, and eliminates the need for direct access to or advanced knowledge of BIM tools. It also provides visual progress tracking abilities through colour-coded elements within the 4D BIM model for communicating task status updates within the project teams. To demonstrate its capability to enhance schedule updating and maintenance efficiency, the VISA4D tool is implemented in an office building project in Canada and user testing is performed. An overall accuracy of 89% was observed in successfully classifying 71 out of 80 tested construction-specific commands, while the user surveys indicated high usability, with 92% of participants finding VISA4D easy to use and reporting consistent command recognition accuracy. This study advances the existing work on AI-enhanced construction management tools by tackling the challenges associated with their practical implementation in field operations.