Multiobjective Robust Optimization Model for Generating Stable and Makespan-Protective Repetitive Schedules
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 148, Issue 9
Abstract
Construction projects often face various uncertainties during their execution. Even if planned project schedules are optimal with respect to time or cost, their implementation may be affected by these uncertainties, resulting in project delays, cost overruns, or both. To address this challenge, this study presents a multiobjective robust optimization model for scheduling repetitive projects under the line-of-balance (LOB) framework, with the objective of minimizing the project cost while maximizing the schedule robustness without exceeding a given deadline. The ability of an LOB schedule to protect against unexpected events caused by various uncertainties was quantified using a new robustness measure. The proposed model was then extended to consider the constraints of available cash with the objective of devising financially feasible and stable schedules. The practicability of the proposed robust optimization model and the effectiveness of the robustness measure were verified by a highway project. The results show that the model can construct the optimal trade-off curve between project cost and schedule robustness, of which the most suitable schedule can be determined once additional information about the level of uncertainty and its impact are provided.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and codes generated or used during the study appear in the published article.
Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 72171081 and 71701069) and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (Grant No. 2020MS129). The authors are also grateful to the anonymous reviewer and editor for careful scrutiny of the details and for comments that helped improve this manuscript.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 148 • Issue 9 • September 2022
Copyright
© 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 26, 2021
Accepted: Apr 22, 2022
Published online: Jul 15, 2022
Published in print: Sep 1, 2022
Discussion open until: Dec 15, 2022
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Business management
- Construction costs
- Construction engineering
- Construction management
- Continuum mechanics
- Dynamics (solid mechanics)
- Engineering fundamentals
- Engineering mechanics
- Financial management
- Management methods
- Models (by type)
- Motion (dynamics)
- Optimization models
- Practice and Profession
- Project delay
- Project management
- Scheduling
- Solid mechanics
- Uncertainty principles
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