Linear Scheduling Model: Development of Controlling Activity Path

There are several reasons why linear scheduling techniques have not been applied widely to construction projects even though they have been identified as very useful. If we consider the capabilities and the widespread use of critical-path method (CPM) in the construction industry, some of the reasons why linear scheduling is not popular become evident. There is an abundance of highly developed CPM computer applications available today. These applications provide a rich set of capabilities such as resource and cost allocation, progress reporting, and schedule updating, plus the generation of a multitude of reports and graphics. There are no comparable applications for linear scheduling. The reason for the shortage of applications is that linear scheduling typically has been regarded as a visual technique lacking the analytical qualities of the CPM of scheduling. Fundamental to linear scheduling's lack of an analytical perspective is its inability to determine a critical path. This paper documents a method by which a controlling activity path can be determined in a linear schedule. This fundamental ability further forms the basis for the determination of float for noncontrolling activities and provides a means of statusing and updating linear schedules.