Agent-Based Simulation of Multi-Crew Allocation to Scattered Repetitive Projects
Publication: Construction Research Congress 2024
ABSTRACT
Scattered Repetitive Projects (SRPs) such as multi-school or multi-bridge rehabilitations are rising in numbers, complexity, and costs. To properly allocate resources for these complex projects, efficient planning and simulation become necessary. At the detailed level, Agent-Based Modeling and Simulation (ABMS) is among the powerful techniques that can be used to analyze the impact of crew movements and behaviors on task productivity. To support efficient allocation of crews to SRPs, this research developed an ABMS model using the AnyLogic software to simulate multi-crew allocation to scattered units, incorporating crews’ travel times among the units using GIS. The paper discusses the model and its implementation on a case study of scattered linear projects where the activities in each location are sequential. Model validation against a powerful schedule optimization model proved its flexibility and applicability. Future integration with a powerful repetitive scheduling engine is highlighted to consider more complex networks at different locations.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this chapter.
REFERENCES
Alvanchi, A., Baniassadi, F., Shahsavari, M., and Kashani, H. (2021). Improving materials logistics plan in road construction projects using discrete event simulation. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 28(10), 3144–3163. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-08-2018-0317/FULL/XML.
Farshchian, M. M., Heravi, G., and Abourizk, S. (2017). Optimizing the Owner’s Scenarios for Budget Allocation in a Portfolio of Projects Using Agent-Based Simulation. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 143(7), 04017022. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001315.
Han, C., Tang, F., Ma, T., Gu, L., and Tong, Z. (2022). Construction quality evaluation of asphalt pavement based on BIM and GIS. Automation in Construction, 141, 104398. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.AUTCON.2022.104398.
Hegazy, T., and Kamarah, E. (2022). Schedule optimization for scattered repetitive projects. Automation in Construction, 133, 104042. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.AUTCON.2021.104042.
Hegazy, T., Mostafa, K., and Ojulari, S. (2021). Tetris-inspired approach for generating tightly-packed repetitive schedules. Automation in Construction, 124, 103601. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.AUTCON.2021.103601.
Hsieh, F. S. (2016). Location-aware workflow scheduling in supply chains based on multi-agent systems. TAAI 2015-2015 Conference on Technologies and Applications of Artificial Intelligence, 441–448. https://doi.org/10.1109/TAAI.2015.7407087.
Jabri, A., and Zayed, T. (2017). Agent-based modeling and simulation of earthmoving operations. Automation in Construction, 81, 210–223. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.AUTCON.2017.06.017.
Jiang, Z., Fang, D., and Zhang, M. (2014). Understanding the Causation of Construction Workers’ Unsafe Behaviors Based on System Dynamics Modeling. Journal of Management in Engineering, 31(6), 04014099. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000350.
Kedir, N. S., Somi, S., Fayek, A. R., and Nguyen, P. H. D. (2022). Hybridization of reinforcement learning and agent-based modeling to optimize construction planning and scheduling. Automation in Construction, 142, 104498. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.AUTCON.2022.104498.
Khodabandelu, A., and Park, J. W. (2021). Agent-based modeling and simulation in construction. Automation in Construction, 131, 103882. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.AUTCON.2021.103882.
Khodabandelu, A., Park, J. W., and Arteaga, C. (2020). Crane operation planning in overlapping areas through dynamic supply selection. Automation in Construction, 117, 103253. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.AUTCON.2020.103253.
Lu, M. (2003). Simplified Discrete-Event Simulation Approach for Construction Simulation. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 129(5), 537–546. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2003)129:5(537).
Mei, Z., Xu, M., Luo, S., Tan, Y., and Li, H. (2022). Concrete formwork reuse in a supply chain with dynamic changes using ABMS and discrete events. Journal of Cleaner Production, 332, 130038. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JCLEPRO.2021.130038.
Mostafa, K. T., Ojulari, S., and Hegazy, T. (2022). Enhanced Repetitive Scheduling Formulation for Meeting Deadlines and Resource Constraints in Linear and Scattered Projects. Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1139/CJCE-2022-0029.
Nguyen, D. T., Le-Hoai, L., Basenda Tarigan, P., and Tran, D. H. (2022). Tradeoff time cost quality in repetitive construction project using fuzzy logic approach and symbiotic organism search algorithm. Alexandria Engineering Journal, 61(2), 1499–1518. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.AEJ.2021.06.058.
Ojulari, S. (2022). Comprehensive Repetitive Scheduling for Linear and Scattered Infrastructure Projects. https://uwspace.uwaterloo.ca/handle/10012/18283.
Saeed, F., Mostafa, K., Rauch, C., and Hegazy, T. (2023). Environmental Impact and Cost Assessment for Reusing Waste during End-of-Life Activities on Building Projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 149(10), 4023099. https://doi.org/10.1061/JCEMD4.COENG-12943.
Senouci, A., Warith, K. A., and Eldin, N. (2019). Resource-Constrained Construction Scheduling Using Agent Based Modeling Technique. Journal of Civil Engineering and Construction, 8(1), 25–33. https://doi.org/10.32732/JCEC.2019.8.1.25.
Taghaddos, H., Hermann, U., Abourizk, S., and Mohamed, Y. (2012). Simulation-Based Multiagent Approach for Scheduling Modular Construction. Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 28(2), 263–274. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CP.1943-5487.0000262.
Xiang, L., Tan, Y., Shen, G., and Jin, X. (2022). Applications of multi-agent systems from the perspective of construction management: A literature review. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 29(9), 3288–3310. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-01-2021-0038/FULL/XML.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Construction Research Congress 2024
Pages: 1220 - 1228
History
Published online: Mar 18, 2024
ASCE Technical Topics:
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.