Simulation Technologies for Planning Heavy Construction Processes

Heavy construction projects, such as dams and tunnels, closely integrate design and construction and require the project manager or the project engineer to be knowledgeable and familiar with: (1) Different types of heavy construction plant and equipment; and (2) different construction methods that may be applicable to a given project. However, to effectively define these two elements, different possible scenarios, under different conditions and constraints, must be explored with both a technology and process focus, and a resource use focus. This task requires the development of descriptive, analytical, and decision‐making models, which accurately represent and simulate these processes, and experimentation with different alternatives under different conditions. Until relatively recently, the analytical and operational tools that have been available to practitioners to achieve this, have been complex and difficult to learn and use. The Cyclic Operations Network (CYCLONE) microcomputer‐based simulation methodology presents a viable alternative to overcome these barriers. This paper describes the implementation of this system within the division of project planning and control of a large Spanish heavy construction firm, using two specific case‐study applications.