Abourizk, S; Knowles, P and Hermann, U R (2001) Estimating labor production rates for industrial construction activities. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 127(6), pp. 502-511. ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
This paper discusses an approach based on artificial neural networks that enables an estimator to produce accurate labor production rates (labor/unit) for industrial construction tasks such as welding and pipe installation. The paper first reviews factors that were found to affect labor production rates on industrial construction tasks, current estimating practices and their limitations, and the process followed in collecting historical production rates. An artificial neural network model is then described. The model is composed of a two-stage artificial neural network, which is used to predict an efficiency multiplier (an index) based on input factors identified by the user. The multiplier is then used to adjust an average production rate given in man-hours/unit for use on a specific project. Estimates of production rates from the new approach are compared to the existing estimating practices and conclusions are presented.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Index terms: | estimate, industrial construction, efficiency, estimator, estimating, artificial neural network |
| Subjects: | building construction, performance management, modelling and simulation, financial and cost management, profession |
| Topics: | Quality Management, Roles and Professions, Cost Management, Engineering Principles, Research Practice |
| 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