Project-Network Analysis Using Fuzzy Sets Theory
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 122, Issue 4
Abstract
Estimating the durations of construction activities requires experts knowledge. Statements used by these experts usually contain some sort of imprecision. Previous studies have demonstrated the use of fuzzy set theory for quantifying the imprecision associated with the durations of project activities. These studies, however, did not address the processing of this information for generating a complete schedule. This paper presents a new network scheduling method based on fuzzy sets theory. The proposed method incorporates a number of new techniques that facilitate: (1) the representation of imprecise activity durations; (2) the calculation of scheduling parameters; and (3) the interpretation of the fuzzy results generated. Two network examples are worked out to illustrate the use of the proposed method, and to compare its capabilities with Monte Carlo simulation. The results indicate that the proposed method is capable of providing schedules that can appropriately account for the nature as well as the type of uncertainties normally encountered in construction projects. The results are in close agreement with those obtained using Monte Carlo simulation. The calculations are, however, more simple, requiring less computational effort than that needed in Monte Carlo simulation. The proposed method is practical and can be easily computerized.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
References
1.
AbouRizk, S., and Halpin, D. W.(1992). “Statistical properties of construction duration data.”J. Constr. Engrg. and Mgmt., ASCE, 118(3), 525–544.
2.
AbouRizk, S., and Sawhney, A.(1993). “Subjective and interactive duration estimation.”J. Civ. Engrg., 20(3), 457–468.
3.
AbouRizk, S., Halpin, D. W., and Wilson, J. R.(1994). “Fitting beta distributions based on sample data.”J. Constr. Engrg. and Mgmt., ASCE, 120(2), 288–304.
4.
Ayyub, B. M., and Haldar, A.(1984). “Project scheduling using fuzzy set concepts.”J. Constr. Engrg. and Mgmt., ASCE, 110(2), 189–204.
5.
Badiru, A. B. (1993). Quantitative models for project planning, scheduling, and control . Quorum Books, Westport, Conn.
6.
Chanas, S., and Kamburowski, J.(1981). “The use of fuzzy variables in PERT.”Fuzzy Sets and Sys., 5(1), 11–19.
7.
Chen, S. J., and Hwang, C. L. (1992). “Fuzzy multiple attribute decision making: methods and applications.”Lecture notes in economics and mathematical systems, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Germany.
8.
Dubois, D., and Prade, H. (1988). Possibility theory: an approach to computerized processing of uncertainty . Plenum Press, New York, N.Y.
9.
Kaufmann, A., and Gupta, M. M. (1985). Introduction to fuzzy arithmetic theory and applications . Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, N.Y.
10.
Kaufmann, A., and Gupta, M. M. (1988). Fuzzy mathematical models in engineering and management science . North-Holland Publishing Co., Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
11.
Keller, G., Warrack, B., and Bartel, H. (1988). Statistics for management and economics: a systematic approach . Wadsworth, Belmon, Calif.
12.
Lorterapong, P. (1995). “Fuzzy project-network scheduling under resource constraints,” PhD thesis, Concordia Univ., Montreal, Canada.
13.
Milton, J. S., and Arnold, J. C. (1986). Probability and statistics in the engineering and computer sciences . McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., New York, N.Y.
14.
Schonberger, R. J.(1981). “Why projects are “always” late: a rationale based on manual simulation of a PERT/CPM network.”Interfaces, 11(5), 66–70.
15.
Wu, R. K., and Hadipriono, F. C.(1994). “Fuzzy modus ponens deduction technique for construction scheduling.”J. Constr. Engrg. and Mgmt., ASCE, 120(1), 162–179.
16.
Zadeh, L. A.(1965). “Fuzzy sets.”Information Control, 8, 338–353.
17.
Zadeh, L. A.(1978). “Fuzzy sets as a basis for a theory of possibility.”Fuzzy Sets and Sys., 1(1), 3–28.
18.
Zimmermann, H. J. (1991). Fuzzy set theory and its applications . Kluwer Academic, Boston, Mass.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Copyright
Copyright © 1996 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Dec 1, 1996
Published in print: Dec 1996
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.