Bridge construction schedule generation with pattern-based construction methods and constraint-based simulation

doi:10.1016/j.aei.2010.07.002

Advanced Engineering Informatics

Volume 24, Issue 4, November 2010, Pages 379-388

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aei.2010.07.002 Get rights and content

Abstract

This paper presents a novel methodology which assists in automating the generation of time schedules for bridge construction projects. The method is based on a simulation of construction works, taking into account the available resources and the interdependencies between individual tasks. The simulation is realized by means of a discrete-event simulation software originally created for plant layout in the manufacturing industry. Due to the fact that the fixed process chains provided are too rigid to model the spontaneous construction task sequences, a constraint module that dynamically selects the following task has been incorporated.

Constraint module input data is formed by activity packages comprising of the affected building element, the required material, machine and manpower resources, as well as the technological pre-requisites of the activity to be performed. Since manual creation of the large set of activity packages is laborious and error-prone, a 3D model-based application has been developed which allows the interactive assignment of construction methods to individual building elements. To facilitate this process, a level-of-detail approach has been implemented which allows the user to successively refine both the process model and the corresponding product model.

The discrete-event simulation system uses all the given information to create a proposal for the construction schedule automatically, which may then be refined using standard scheduling software.

Introduction

Scheduling a construction project means to coordinate resources of workers, machines and materials in a time-efficient way in order to realize a construction project within the projected time and costs.

Traditionally, construction schedules are manually specified using Gantt chart techniques and the critical path method (CPM). A number of commercial management software solutions in the industry use these two concepts. However, the software is unable to assess schedule correctness, especially of process duration for a given amount of available resources, as well as its inability to optimize the schedule according to total costs or total duration work against the application of these methods within more complex scheduling tasks.

The simulation of construction processes has proven to be a suitable approach for detailed investigation of construction schedules [1]. In this case, individual activities, their dependencies and the availability of resources are taken into account. However, preparing the input data for such a simulation is a time-consuming and error-prone process. This paper introduces a new methodology which is based on interactively refining both the building model and its corresponding process model. It guides the scheduler and dramatically facilitates the generation of input data for the process simulator. The result of the interactive process is a large set of ‘activity packages’ which combine atomic activities with the required resources, such as labor, material, and equipment, as well as establish links to the preceding activities.

These process components cover all information required to run the simulation. In the presented approach, the constraint-based simulation is employed, which exhibits the necessary flexibility to model construction processes with greater realism.

Section snippets

Related work

Since the 1960s, it has been recognized that discrete-event simulation (DES) provides a powerful tool to model and evaluate construction processes, including the overall project duration as well as the utilization of resources. The link node model developed by Teicholz [2] is the earliest known method for construction simulation. Subsequently, researchers employed general purpose DES programs such as GPSS [3], [4] to simulate construction processes.

To give the user the possibility of focusing

General approach

The traditional process simulation approach, where rigid sequences of activities are defined (i.e. the preceding and succeeding activities are specified in advance), is only suitable for processes which are mainly driven by machines, such as earthwork processes. However, most construction processes have dynamic and spontaneous sequences of activities.

The constraint-based simulation approach has been developed to overcome the limitations of fixed activity graphs and to realize greater

Problem statement

The constraint-based simulation has proven capable of capturing the flexibility of construction processes. More importantly, it does not require explicitly modeled activity graphs. Instead, it relies on constraints which are defined locally for individual activities. This advantage can turn into an issue, given that typical construction projects consist of thousands of activities. Defining these activities and their constraints manually is time-consuming and error-prone.

Overview

To facilitate the generation of the input data required for the constraint-based simulation, this paper introduces a methodology which is based on interactively refining both a building model and its corresponding process model. During the process, the scheduler selects one of the available construction methods applicable for a specific building part or component. This information is used for generating process steps on the next level-of-detail where the scheduler can choose among different

Demonstration

A simple bridge project with the construction method In-Situ Casting with Standard Falsework was used as an example to demonstrate the advantages of our approach. The bridge consists of two abutments, eight piers and nine superstructure segments.

The application scenario is presented in two parts according to the software tools employed: Preparator and the Constraint-based Simulation. Preparator is used to generate activities and the corresponding constraints, i.e. the resources required for

Conclusion

The scheduling of construction processes for building projects is extremely complex with a multitude of requirements, such as technological dependencies and resource capacities, to be taken into account, together with principal guidelines of project duration and available funds. The constraint-based simulation technique can generate effective schedules virtually automatically, but creating the necessary input data manually is tedious and time-consuming.

This paper has introduced a new

Acknowledgements

The research presented in this paper was carried out within the ForBAU project which is funded by the Bavarian Research Foundation (Bayerische Forschungsstiftung).

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Bridge construction schedule generation with pattern-based construction methods and constraint-based simulation

Abstract

Introduction

Section snippets

Related work

General approach

Problem statement

Overview

Demonstration

Conclusion

Acknowledgements

Simulation Practice and Theory

Automation in Construction

Automation in Construction

Journal of Automation in Construction

Automation in Construction

Automation in Construction

Advanced Engineering Informatics

Advanced Engineering Informatics

CYCLONE – method for modeling job site processes

Journal of the Construction Division

Construction operations simulation by microcomputer

Journal of Construction Engineering and Management

Visual construction operation simulation: the DISCO approach

Microcomputers in Civil Engineering