Conceptual Framework of an Object-Oriented Simulation Approach for Building Construction Processes

In-line with the growing trend of building construction, the dependence on simulation in construction management has significantly increased in the recent past. However, proximity of a simulation model with the real situations in the construction process is an ongoing challenge. The previous methodologies go back to 1990 where the model formulation did not fully address the concepts like object, classes and inheritance. This concern has been remarkably addressed in the recent developments in object-oriented simulation (OOS) approach. Nevertheless, the literature lacks in a generic OOS approach that could be easily tailored for a wide range of construction processes, while ensuring accuracy and reliability; accordingly, the present study has developed a conceptual OOS framework. As the initial step, a thorough review of the literature was made to critically analyze the existing simulation models. Based on this review, a flowchart was prepared for the proposed framework. Subsequently, expert interviews were conducted to refine, adjust and finalize the model. The present modeling approach consists of four major components: (1) object identification, (2) object interchangeability, (3) object parameters, and (4) object progression. By implementing this approach to real construction processes, it has been established that this method enhances model accuracy and leads to better understanding of the construction processes, thereby reducing dependency on assumptions and abstractions that are inevitable in simulation models.