Simulation as a tool for resource management

Advanced Science Letters, 2012

Construction planners and decision makers involved in managing construction processes are always interested in the following issue. The issue is determining the best combination of resources involved in construction processes in a way that maximizes performance measures such as process productivity, total cycle time, etc. Sensitivity analysis is the resolution proposed by planners to settle the issue. In order to do sensitivity analysis, computer simulation provides an inexpensive environment in which all possible combinations of resources can be studied. This paper is aimed at doing sensitivity analysis for resources involved in a construction process to find the best resource combination in terms of process productivity, total cycle time, etc. This was done with the aid of computer simulation that modeled all possible resource combinations in order to predict the outcome associated with each combination. In this study, computer simulation software, Arena 13.9, was employed for constructing the simulation model of a construction process. The results show that the best resource combination improves process productivity and total cycle time by about 6% and 32%, respectively.

2019

Tight budgets and limited resources in construction projects have forced many construction firms to downsize and re-engineer their operations in a way that improves productivity and cost effectiveness. Re-engineering, however, requires thorough analysis of project-specific operations and resource use. In an effort to improve productivity and optimize resource use, this study investigates the use of a simplified approach to model and simulate concrete placing operations of construction projects. This approach offers the diversity and flexibility required for construction models and generates practical models without prior knowledge of simulation terminology. Models were developed for some real-world concrete placing operations and simulation was conducted to come up with the best resource combinations that optimize productivity and, accordingly, minimize the cost of these operations. These models can be used as examples to develop models for other construction operations. The potenti...

Proceedings of the 18th LACCEI International Multi-Conference for Engineering, Education, and Technology: Engineering, Integration, And Alliances for A Sustainable Development” “Hemispheric Cooperation for Competitiveness and Prosperity on A Knowledge-Based Economy”, 2020

Automation in Construction, 2012

2021

Advances in technology and modern systems have enabled a major shift in the presentation of reality in a virtual way. The representation of a real system using a model enables various experiments, analyzes and studies. In this paper, a general overview of modelling and simulation is given. Through a brief description of methods and techniques, a special review of the simulation in construction management is given. Processes and phenomena in construction are mostly of stochastic character, so it is very convenient to apply simulation for their computer representation. Also, the cyclicity of most processes in construction, as well as their dynamics provides a suitable basis for the application of simulation. Simulation is often used to solve various problems in construction management, as: optimization, predicting, allocation of resources, solving transportation problems, supply chains, selection of machinery, etc. Simulation methods are described and an overview of the software most ...

Proceedings of the 2009 Winter Simulation Conference (WSC), 2009

2006

In this paper, the authors discuss the concepts of variability, buffers, and batches, as well as the interactions between them. The discussion aims at contributing to the identification of factors that impact production systems design, which includes the definition of buffer locations, buffer profiles, batch sizes, etc. The authors use a simulation model developed using STROBOSCOPE to represent five different scenarios for planning, fabrication, shipping, and installation of sheet metal ductwork in order to illustrate how production system design choices may affect the lead time needed to deliver a project. The data used to develop the model was obtained from time studies performed by the authors as well as from interviews conducted with field superintendents. In order to develop the model, the authors needed basic information about activities pertaining to the delivery of sheet metal ductwork. Modeled durations and quantities are approximations based on the data collected. The mode...

Automation in Construction, 2006

2006