TECHNICAL PAPERS
Sep 1, 1999

Activity-Based Construction (ABC) Modeling and Simulation Method

Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 125, Issue 5

Abstract

This research presents the activity-based construction (ABC) modeling and simulation method. ABC modeling (ABC-Mod) uses one single element (e.g., activity) for modeling general construction processes instead of multiple elements as required by current simulation systems. ABC simulation (ABC-Sim) executes the ABC model by manipulating activities in three stages: (1) Select activity; (2) advance simulation; and (3) release simulation entities. ABC-Mod and ABC-Sim constitute a unique simulation method, generally addressed as ABC. In summary, ABC is a general-purpose modeling and simulation method with an emphasis on construction application. Compared with existing simulation systems, it has all of the major features required for modeling and simulating the dynamic and random behaviors of a construction process. It requires no more knowledge to use than the critical path method does. Therefore, ABC is a simulation method for construction engineers and it has a potentially wide range of application in the industry.

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Information & Authors

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Go to Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 125Issue 5September 1999
Pages: 354 - 360

History

Received: Nov 10, 1998
Published online: Sep 1, 1999
Published in print: Sep 1999

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Jonathan Jingsheng Shi
Member, ASCE
Assoc. Prof., Dept. of Civ. and Arch. Engrg., Illinois Inst. of Technol., 3201 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL 60616-3793.

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