Application Framework for Mapping and Simulation of Waste Handling Processes in Construction
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 132, Issue 11
Abstract
This research is focused on modeling waste-handling processes in construction, with particular emphasis on how to map out and simulate on-site waste sorting processes. The research proposes an application framework for (1) guiding the development of process mapping models and simulation models; and (2) further assessing the cost effectiveness of on-site waste sorting efforts under practical site constraints (such as labor resource availability, time control on refuse chute usage, and limited working area space in a building site). The connection has been established between the mapping and simulation techniques in the context of modeling waste handling processes in construction sites, such that the process flowchart resulting from the mapping technique can serve as convenient model input to facilitate the creation of a “dynamic” operations simulation model. A case study of the on-site waste sorting method with one refuse chute for waste classification is presented to demonstrate the complete application framework spanning (1) process mapping; (2) mapping-to-simulation model conversion; and (3) method optimization based on valid simulations.
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Acknowledgments
The research presented in this paper was substantially funded by a Hong Kong Polytechnic University Internal Research Grant (Grant A/C No. A.31.PE29). The development of the SDESA software was supported by a Hong Kong Research Grants Council Competitive Earmarked Research Grant (Project A/C B-Q580; PolyU5049/02E).
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 132 • Issue 11 • November 2006
Pages: 1212 - 1221
Copyright
© 2006 ASCE.
History
Received: Jul 22, 2005
Accepted: Mar 27, 2006
Published online: Nov 1, 2006
Published in print: Nov 2006
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