Optimizing resource utilization for repetitive construction projects

El-Rayes, K and Moselhi, O (2001) Optimizing resource utilization for repetitive construction projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 127(1), pp. 18-26. ISSN 0733-9364

Abstract

Optimizing resource utilization can lead to significant reduction in the duration and cost of repetitive construction projects such as highways, high-rise buildings, and housing projects. This can be achieved by identifying an optimum crew size and interruption strategy for each activity in the project. Available dynamic programming formulations can be applied to provide solutions for this optimization problem; however, their application is limited, as they require planners to specify an arbitrary and an unbounded set of interruption options prior to scheduling. Such a requirement is not practical and may render the optimization problem infeasible. To circumvent the limitations of available formulations, this paper presents an automated and p'ractical optimization model. The model utilizes dynamic programming formulation and incorporates a scheduling algorithm and an interruption algorithm so as to automate the generation of interruptions during scheduling. This transforms the consideration of interruption options, in optimizing resource utilization, from an unbounded and impractical problem to a bounded and feasible one. A numerical example from the literature is analyzed to illustrate the use and capabilities of the model.

Item Type: Article
Index terms: scheduling, high-rise building, option, planner, dynamic programming, resource utilization, housing project, duration, strategy, repetitive construction
Subjects: decision analysis, housing and residential development, management, project controls, site logistics, operations research, profession, construction type, building construction, algorithms
Topics: Risk Management, Urban Studies, Site Management, Roles and Professions, Construction Technology, Digital Applications, Time Control, Business Strategy
Descriptive scope: 2 PC

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