Role of Simulation in Construction Engineering and Management
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 136, Issue 10
Abstract
Construction simulation is the science of developing and experimenting with computer-based representations of construction systems to understand their underlying behavior. This branch of operations research applications in construction management has experienced significant academic growth over the past two decades. In this paper, the author summarizes his views on this topic as per his Peurifoy address, given in October 2008. The paper provides an overview of advancements in construction simulation theory as reported in literature. It then summarizes the key factors that contribute to successful deployment of simulation in the construction industry, and the key attributes of problems that make them more amenable for simulation modeling as opposed to other tools. The paper then provides an overview of long-term simulation initiatives leading to the next generation of computer modeling systems for construction, where simulation plays an integral role in a futuristic vision of automated project planning and control.
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Acknowledgments
The writer wishes to express his gratitude to the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC),NSERC and the construction industry collaborators that jointly funded his research activity over the past 15 years. The work reported in this paper is the product of many students, staff, and colleagues of the writer at the University of Alberta.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 136 • Issue 10 • October 2010
Pages: 1140 - 1153
Copyright
© 2010 ASCE.
History
Received: Jun 19, 2009
Accepted: Mar 22, 2010
Published online: Sep 15, 2010
Published in print: Oct 2010
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