Operations Research in Construction Planning

Sample problems are solved, illustrating the use of operations research techniques in construction management. Problems are chosen so that the solution of each requires the general theory of a particular area of operations research, including inventory, replacement, allocation, sequencing, and waiting line theories. Mathematics used for the solutions includes basic algebra, basic calculus, some probability theory, and elementary matrix theory. Applications of critical path scheduling and the simplex method of linear programming, described elsewhere in literature, are not included. Benefits and limitations of the use of operations research techniques in construction planning are examined and the interrelationship between analytical and intuitive-based decisions is emphasized.