Martinez, J C and Ioannou, P G (1999) General-purpose systems for effective construction simulation. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 125(4), pp. 265-276. ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
This paper examines the characteristics of discrete-event simulation systems in terms of their application breadth (general or special purpose), modeling paradigm (process interaction versus activity scanning), and flexibility (programmable or not). Several construction simulation systems are examined with primary emphasis on CYCLONE and STROBOSCOPE as representatives of the wide range of tools that are currently available. CYCLONE is a well-established, widely used, and simple system that is easy to learn and effective for modeling many simple construction operations. STROBOSCOPE is a programmable and extensible simulation system designed for modeling complex construction operations in detail and for the development of special-purpose simulation tools. The characteristics of these systems, as well as other recent developments, illustrate that an effective general-purpose simulation tool for construction is in essence one based on extended forms of activity cycle diagrams and the activity scanning modeling paradigm. As explained through several examples, these representations are indeed the most convenient and intuitive for construction simulation systems. Furthermore, the programmability of such a system is the principal factor that determines its power, flexibility, and ease of learning and use.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Index terms: | simulation tool, construction simulation, modelling, interaction, paradigm, construction operation, cyclone |
| Subjects: | construction operations, analytical methods, modelling and simulation, climate science, behavioral psychology, education and knowledge transfer |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Site Management, Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Sustainability |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCT |
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