Productivity Scheduling Method: Linear Schedule Analysis with Singularity Functions
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VIEW CORRECTIONPublication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 135, Issue 4
Abstract
This paper describes a new integrated method of linear schedule analysis using singularity functions. These functions have previously been used for structural analysis and are newly applied to scheduling. Linear schedules combine information on time and amount of work for each activity. A general model is presented with which activities and their buffers can be mathematically described in detail. The algorithm of the new method forms the body of the paper, including the steps of setting up initial equations, calculating pairwise differences between them, differentiating these to obtain the location of any minima, and deriving the final equations. The algorithm consolidates the linear schedule under consideration of all constraints and, thus, automatically generates the minimum overall project duration. The model distinguishes time and amount buffers, which bears implications for the definition and derivation of the critical path. Future research work will address float and resource analysis using the new model.
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Acknowledgments
The support of the National Science Foundation (Grant No. NSFCMMI-0654318) for portions of the work presented here is gratefully acknowledged. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 135 • Issue 4 • April 2009
Pages: 246 - 253
Copyright
© 2009 ASCE.
History
Received: Jul 11, 2007
Accepted: Sep 26, 2008
Published online: Apr 1, 2009
Published in print: Apr 2009
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