Modeling Weather-Sensitive Construction Activity Using Simulation
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 137, Issue 3
Abstract
This paper proposes a framework for simulating weather-sensitive construction projects that are executed under extreme weather conditions. It applies the framework steps to enable simulating and planning pipeline construction activities under severe cold weather conditions. The uncertainties caused by weather, such as extreme cold, heat, wind, or precipitation, can significantly affect a project’s schedule and produce significant deviations from the baseline schedule. The proposed framework structures a project in the way an engineer would approach it, setting out a breakdown of work activities to quantify weather effects and account for their impact on the project baseline. The proposed weather-sensitive construction simulation framework is employed to determine the effects of weather on the construction process of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe installation. The relevant simulation findings are reported to clarify the impact of extreme weather events on construction projects and to assist in project planning and decision support.
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Acknowledgments
Funding for this research was partly provided by the University of Alberta, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and the Alberta Ingenuity Fund.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 137 • Issue 3 • March 2011
Pages: 238 - 246
Copyright
© 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Mar 23, 2009
Accepted: Jun 19, 2010
Published online: Jul 17, 2010
Published in print: Mar 1, 2011
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