Modeling Time-Constraints in Construction Operations through Simulation
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 134, Issue 7
Abstract
Construction operations often face time constraints that influence the execution of activities, which are not addressed enough when modeling through general discrete-event simulation. This paper describes a simulation-based methodology to handle the time constraints including the cyclical break, preemption, and overtime use. In consideration of the variable number of breaks or variable break duration for different activities, an algorithm to determine the execution of the time-constrained activities is proposed, in which the concepts of time cycle and time window are introduced. The proposed algorithm is incorporated with an activity scanning simulation strategy to develop a construction simulation for modeling the time-constrained construction operations. Some examples are presented to illustrate and validate the algorithm, and highlight the effectiveness of the developed construction simulation. The study provides an alternative to improve construction simulation in modeling of the time-constrained construction operations and is expected to assist researchers or practitioners at analyzing or planning construction operations.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 134 • Issue 7 • July 2008
Pages: 545 - 554
Copyright
© 2008 ASCE.
History
Received: Apr 15, 2003
Accepted: Nov 1, 2007
Published online: Jul 1, 2008
Published in print: Jul 2008
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