Critical Space Analysis
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 132, Issue 5
Abstract
The construction space scheduling problem has received relatively little attention from researchers and practitioners. We now have sophisticated methods of planning and analyzing the sequence of tasks within the work breakdown structure through time, but the problem of planning where on site those tasks are to be executed is not well-supported especially as those spaces are dynamic as the project progresses. We know that congestion on site reduces output and generates hazards, yet construction planners presently have to rely upon experience and intuition. The research reported here presents a decision support tool for construction project planners to help them address the space scheduling problem. After a review of recent developments in construction space scheduling, the concept of critical space analysis is presented. This forms the basis of decision support tools presented for marking up available space, allocating tasks to spaces, and analyzing and optimizing space loading in relation to the critical path—what we call space-time broking. Requirements capture and evaluation reports from construction planners suggest that the tools presented here have immediate practical relevance. The paper will, therefore, be of interest to both practitioners and researchers.
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Acknowledgment
This paper was based on research financed by the U.K.’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (Award No. GR/N00876).
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 132 • Issue 5 • May 2006
Pages: 473 - 481
Copyright
© 2006 ASCE.
History
Received: May 14, 2003
Accepted: Aug 3, 2005
Published online: May 1, 2006
Published in print: May 2006
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