Hassan, A; El-Rayes, K and Attalla, M (2021) Optimizing the scheduling of crew deployments in repetitive construction projects under uncertainty. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 28(6), pp. 1615-1634. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: This paper presents the development of a novel model for optimizing the scheduling of crew deployments in repetitive construction projects while considering uncertainty in crew production rates. Design/methodology/approach: The model computations are performed in two modules: (1) simulation module that integrates Monte Carlo simulation and a resource-driven scheduling technique to calculate the earliest crew deployment dates for all activities that fully comply with crew work continuity while considering uncertainty; and (2) optimization module that utilizes genetic algorithms to search for and identify optimal crew deployment plans that provide optimal trade-offs between project duration and crew deployment plan cost. Findings: A real-life example of street renovation is analyzed to illustrate the use of the model and demonstrate its capabilities in optimizing the stochastic scheduling of crew deployments in repetitive construction projects. Originality/value: The original contribution of this research is creating a novel multiobjective stochastic scheduling optimization model for both serial and nonserial repetitive construction projects that is capable of identifying an optimal crew deployment plan that simultaneously minimizes project duration and crew deployment cost.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction management; crew deployment date; genetic algorithms; linear scheduling; Monte Carlo simulation; optimization; repetitive construction projects; stochastic models |
| Index terms: | Monte Carlo simulation, module, renovation, duration, scheduling, genetic algorithm, repetitive construction, linear scheduling, computation, methodology |
| Subjects: | building construction, project controls, algorithms, research methods, renovation and retrofit, architectural elements, modelling and simulation, operations research, computational methods |
| Topics: | Time Control, Design Practice, Digital Applications, Construction Technology, Research Practice, Engineering Principles |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here