Resource supply-demand matching scheduling approach for construction workface planning

This paper discusses a novel approach for resource-based scheduling that builds upon existing analytical models to achieve practical allocation of resources that are constrained by supply and demand. The approach facilitates workface planning to allocate work to individual craft persons. The main contribution of the work is advancement of the current scheduling practice of workface planning by (1) generalizing the resource supply-demand matching problem (RSDMP); and (2) formalizing the RSDMP scheduling approach for planning resource workflows which consists of (a) the mathematical model, (b) a two-stage optimization approach, and (c) innovative use of a resource-activity interaction table. The result is an optimum resource-constrained schedule providing the shortest project duration with the leanest resource supply. The optimum resource requirement is identified between the lower and upper bounds of the resource supply limit, thus ensuring the site's spatial and safety requirements. The optimum resource workflows of individual craft persons are presented to facilitate the project execution at the workface level. To illustrate the approach, an example adapted from a classic textbook is used. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach on a practical level, an oil refinery turnaround project including input data and relevant information prepared for workface planning is used. As a result of the RSDMP analysis, the optimum plan obtained is resource-loaded, practically feasible, and workface executable.