Assessment of the Productivity of Nighttime Asphalt Paving Operations
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 138, Issue 12
Abstract
Performing highway construction operations during nighttime hours has emerged as a response to traffic congestions caused by daytime lane closures. Work zone conditions at night may be different from those during the day, and nighttime factors that affect project metrics (i.e., safety, quality, and productivity) should be carefully considered during the planning of nighttime projects. Currently, there is no methodology for quantifying the effects of nighttime factors on the productivity of construction operations. The objective of this study therefore is to create such a methodology, specifically for asphalt paving projects, focusing on visibility, personnel fatigue, and glare. The methodology is demonstrated using an example case. First, nighttime qualitative (subjective) factors affecting the productivity of asphalt paving operations are identified. A productivity index (PI) is then estimated to account for these factors. The PI value is subsequently used to modify the baseline productivity simulated by a discrete event model of a paving operation, and is then compared with the actual productivity of the case study project. The analysis indicates that the productivity of the asphalt paving operation in the case study can be predicted within an acceptable accuracy range, implying that the calculated nighttime PI can adequately capture the effects of nighttime factors. Quantification of the effects of nighttime factors could help practitioners understand the extent of these effects on their projects. Because nighttime operations are usually more expensive—attributable to overtime payments, night premium payments, lighting expenses, and costs associated with enhanced traffic control—a better estimate of productivity during the early stages of the project, and accounting for the effects of nighttime factors, could lead to better planning and result in cost savings.
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Acknowledgments
Funding for this study was provided by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) through Grant No. 1 R01 0H07553. The contents of this paper reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented in this paper. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of NIOSH, nor do the contents constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect either the views of the organizations or the individuals listed in this paper. The authors thank Professors Philip Dunston and Don Hancher for their insightful comments in evaluating the initial list of factors affecting nighttime construction productivity and the draft questionnaire. The authors acknowledge the comments provided by Freddy Solis on a previous draft of the paper, and the assistance of John Mejia in preparing the figures.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 138 • Issue 12 • December 2012
Pages: 1421 - 1432
Copyright
© 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Mar 11, 2011
Accepted: Jan 18, 2012
Published online: Jan 20, 2012
Published in print: Dec 1, 2012
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