Hegazy, T and Wassef, N (2001) Cost optimization in projects with repetitive nonserial activities. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 127(3), pp. 183-191. ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
A practical model for scheduling and cost optimization of repetitive projects is proposed in this paper. The model objective is to minimize total construction cost comprising direct cost, indirect cost, interruption cost, as well as incentives and liquidated damages. The novelty of this model stems from four main aspects: (1) it is based on full integration of the critical path and the line of balance methodologies, thus considering crew synchronization and work continuity among nonserial activities; (2) it performs time-cost trade-off analysis considering a specified deadline and alternative construction methods with associated time, cost, and crew options; (3) it is developed as a spreadsheet template that is transparent and easy to use; and (4) it utilizes a nontraditional optimization technique, genetic algorithms, to determine the optimum combination of construction methods, number of crews, and interruptions for each repetitive activity. To automate the model, macroprograms were developed to integrate it with commercial scheduling software. Details of the model are presented, and an example project is used to demonstrate its benefits.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Index terms: | integration, methodology, critical path, construction method, liquidated damages, cost optimization, line of balance, genetic algorithm, scheduling, time-cost trade-off, option, construction cost, repetitive project, spreadsheet, optimization technique, indirect cost, direct cost |
| Subjects: | decision analysis, building construction, organizational analysis, cost management, economics, algorithms, research methods, quantity surveying, contractual remedy, production management, operations research, financial and cost management, data science |
| Topics: | Procurement, Risk Management, Project Management, Research Practice, Cost Management, Site Management, Organizational Design, Contract Administration, Time Control, Digital Applications |
| 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