Abourizk, S and Shi, J (1994) Automated construction-simulation optimization. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 120(2), pp. 374-385. ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
This paper discusses the basis for automating system optimization through simulation-feedback analysis. Optimizing site-management objectives can be attained by manipulating resources in a construction operation provided that the operation is represented by a simulation model (e.g. CYCLONE, SLAMSYSTEM, or GPSS). Optimization can be achieved by iteratively trying different resource-allocation schemes. To avoid an exhaustive enumeration and trial of all possible combinations in a given system, the paper presents techniques that are useful in guiding the system in its search for the most appropriate allocation. Starting with an arbitrary resource combination, a pilot-simulation run is performed. Depending on the specified objectives, resource performance is analyzed and a new combination is recommended to get closer to the desired optimum allocation. Three commonly encountered objectives in construction simulation are discussed and optimizing-system performance using the proposed method to attain these objectives is presented. The particular scenarios covered are minimizing unit cost, maximizing production rate, and reasonable matching among resources.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Index terms: | construction simulation, unit cost, automated construction, construction operation, cyclone |
| Subjects: | financial and cost management, automation and robotics, modelling and simulation, construction operations, climate science |
| Topics: | Cost Management, Site Management, Sustainability, Digital Applications |
| Descriptive scope: | 2 PC |
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