Simulation-Based Scheduling of Modular Construction Using Multi-agent Resource Allocation (original) (raw)

Simulation-Based Multiagent Approach for Scheduling Modular Construction

Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 2014

Modular construction is a common practice for building industrial plants, particularly in the oil sands region of Alberta, Canada. Each module is a project with its own activities and constraints. These modules are prefabricated offsite, at a location called the module assembly yard, and then shipped to the site. Effective scheduling of modules of an industrial plant involves developing a realistic schedule that makes best use of limited resources in the yard while satisfying the constraints and uncertainties of the entire project. Scheduling such large-scale, multiunit projects using commercial CPM-based scheduling applications (e.g., Primavera, Microsoft Project) is not effective. In previous work, we have introduced a hybrid framework, called simulation-based auction protocol (SBAP), for effective resource scheduling in large-scale projects. The present study employs the SBAP framework for effective allocation of resources (e.g., space, skilled crew) and for satisfaction of various constraints. This system pulls data from a comprehensive database, runs the simulation model behind the scenes, and generates various graphical reports to aid superintendents and project managers in pertinent project decisions. The developed system is also capable of scheduling the fast-track modular construction projects with limited data available, doing effective resource leveling, and scheduling resources (e.g., space, crew) effectively based on various shifts and calendars. The described case study in this paper demonstrates the capabilities of the developed system for planning the module assembly yards.

A Simulation-Based Multi-Agent Approach for Scheduling Modular Construction

2012

Integration of Offsite and Onsite Schedules in Modular Construction

Proceedings of the 34th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC), 2017

Modular construction enables delivery of a building as an assembly of a set of modules manufactured offsite in a controlled manufacturing facility environment. Unlike stick-built practices, modular construction enables higher schedule control of construction projects due the inherent concurrency of offsite and onsite construction operations. Literature provides simulation-based scheduling methods that integrate offsite and onsite construction activities. These methods, however, depend largely on availability of data such as productivity rates for offsite and onsite activities. This paper presents an alternative BIM-based framework that integrates linear schedules of onsite and offsite construction operations in a manner that synchronizes work progress of these operations. The proposed framework considers limited capacities of storage areas in the manufacturing facility and on site as well as, the availability of trucks for delivering the fabricated modules from manufacturing facility to the jobsite. The use of BIM provides visualization capabilities for the integrated schedule and allows for monitoring simultaneously the work progress of offsite and onsite activities. Conclusions are drawn concerning the suitability of developed framework for integrated scheduling of modular construction projects.

Simulation and analytical techniques for construction resource planning and scheduling

Automation in Construction, 2012

To date, few construction methods or models in the literature have discussed about helping the project managers decide the near-optimum distributions of manpower, material, equipment and space according to their project objectives and project constraints. Thus, the traditional scheduling methods or models often result in a "seat-of-the-pants" style of management, rather than decision making based on an analysis of real data. This paper presents an intelligent scheduling system (ISS) that can help the project managers to find the near-optimum schedule plan according to their project objectives and project constraints. ISS uses simulation techniques to distribute resources and assign different levels of priorities to different activities in each simulation cycle to find the near-optimal solution. ISS considers and integrates most of the important construction factors (schedule, cost, space, manpower, equipment and material) simultaneously in a unified environment, which makes the resulting schedule that will be closer to optimal. Furthermore, ISS allows for what-if analyses of possible scenarios, and schedule adjustments based on unforeseen conditions (change orders, late material delivery, etc.). Finally, two sample applications and one real-world construction project are utilized to illustrate and compare the effectiveness of ISS with two widely used software packages, Primavera Project Planner and Microsoft Project.

Time-stepped, simulation-based scheduling system for large-scale industrial construction projects

2013 Winter Simulations Conference (WSC), 2013

Industrial construction projects have recently moved more towards tighter schedules and fast-tracked engineering and construction. This leads to overlap between work packages, increased occurrences of resource over-allocation and site congestion, which pose challenges to project planners in scheduling construction works and dynamically allocating resources considering the construction site conditions. Most previous research related to scheduling and resource allocation assumes that allocated resources remain consistent throughout the execution of work packages. This paper presents a workface planning system that allows for variable resource allocation and variable durations in execution of a work package, while holding logic relationships and space congestion constraints. A case study from a real industrial project is presented and results show that the proposed system reduces resource idle time as well as returns shorter project duration than traditional scheduling approaches.

A simulation-based statistical method for planning modular construction manufacturing

Journal of Information Technology in Construction, 2022

Modular construction is a promising alternative to conventional construction; offering improved productivity, quality, and safety. To realize these benefits, sequencing the module fabrication process in a manner that ensures efficient allocation of labor resources is essential. However, the varying sizes and design specifications of modules lead to high variation in process times at workstations, ineffective utilization of resources, and imbalanced production lines. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a simulation-based statistical method to plan the sequencing of module fabrication and the allocation of workers at workstations for such that productivity and control are improved. The method consists of four processes: (i) data collection to obtain historical and near real-time data; (ii) identification of significant impact factors affecting process times at workstations along the production line; (iii) development of a predictive model for forecasting process times at ...

Alternative Scheduling and Planning Processes for Hybrid Offsite Construction

2016

Offsite construction has gathered momentum in recent years due to its improved performance in terms of project cost, schedule, quality, environmental impact, and safety. Offsite prefabricated systems vary depending on the size of prefabricated components, which affect the need for onsite construction. These systems include categories such as modular, panelized, prefabricated, and processed materials construction. Each category has its own unique practices and can be blended with other categories in a "hybrid" offsite construction system. Several research studies have introduced scheduling and planning techniques for panelized and hybrid offsite construction using BIM and simulation tools. This paper thus presents an alternative BIMbased integrated framework for modelling and planning of hybrid offsite construction projects. BIM software (eg. Vertex BD) is used in the proposed framework for automating the data exchange between BIM model and the proposed method for schedulin...

Module-Based Construction Schedule Administration for Public Infrastructure Agencies

Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 2004

Infrastructure projects such as the construction of expressways are often distributed over different regions and must therefore be divided into several tendering packages. The public agencies that administrate such projects manage project packages that must be integrated. All project packages may involve similar work. However, they are carried out by different contractors each with their own scheduling practices. Standardization provides a foundation for more efficient and effective schedule integration, but cannot easily be enforced without objections from contractors. This paper presents a three-stage standardization implementation framework using modularization. A set of network modules that involve normal, repetitive, cyclic, and merging activities was developed for expressway projects. Two computer systems were developed to help contractors use these modules to create schedules, and to help the owner review schedules submitted by contractors. Experiments and a survey were also carried out to validate the proposed framework, demonstrating a significant amount of time saving and errors reduced by using network modules.

Simplified Construction Scheduling for Field Personnel

2017

The main purpose of this research is to determine the issues that INDOT faces with respect to schedule review/monitoring and determine the best practices by other DOTs in order to suggest improvements to INDOTs practices. Two questionnaire surveys and six interviews were conducted to gather this information. The two questionnaires were divided into four areas: (1) scheduling specifications, (2) enforcing issues, (3) field personnel skill set and understanding of the specs and scheduling methods/commercial software, and (4) ideas for scheduling technologies/tools/software. Results from these questionnaires were used to target five DOTs that showed good practices as well INDOT to gather more details about the common scheduling issues and their response to them. Outcome of this research will (1) document current INDOT practices and challenges on tracking the projects in the field; (2) Identify scheduling methods and software packages used by other DOTs that would satisfy INDOT's project control needs (3) provide guidelines to make the tracking and analysis of scheduled milestones more effective and easy to implement for the field personnel. According to the first survey that was distributed among INDOT personnel, some of the main issues they face include lack of contractor compliance in submitting schedules and following the scheduling specifications. Another issue is INDOT personnel's lack of training and experience using the scheduling techniques. The second survey was distributed to all DOTs with thirty-five responses received. In order to enforce contractor compliance, DOTs have delayed and withheld payments. DOTs also train their employees in scheduling techniques to help them review contractors' submittals. They also meet with the contractor before construction starts and discuss the schedule requirements to ensure that both parties are on the same page. Phone interviews were conducted with six DOTs in order to understand their means and methods. Some of the main items discovered were related to classification of projects (based on required level of scheduling), procedure requested by DOTs from contractors with regard to time impact analysis reports and how they handle weather shutdowns in their scheduling specifications. In conclusion, the research found many suggestions that could be implemented by INDOT in order to revise/update their specifications and practices, increase contractor compliance and to simplify their scheduling and review processes.

Linear vs. Systems Approach to Production Scheduling in Construction

2016

Network-based scheduling methods were not originally developed for managing the production phase in construction projects. They were designed for projects that can be completed with highly linear, predictable and static processes. When network-based scheduling methods are applied to production management of construction, a mis-match is evident. The majority of construction projects continue to be described as dynamic and probabilistic processes. The findings of this exploratory desktop research suggest that the different nature of construction, and also a shift in thinking account for the scheduling methods mis-match. Those developers who take into account the systems nature of production in construction have been at the forefront of developing scheduling methods appropriate to the dynamics of construction. Their efforts are proving effective in matching the nature of construction with the capability of scheduling methods and tools that provide better management and control.

Simulation-Based Scheduling of Modular Construction Using Multi-agent Resource Allocation (original) (raw)

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