Fuzzy Monte Carlo agent-based simulation of construction crew performance

Raoufi, M and Fayek, A R (2020) Fuzzy Monte Carlo agent-based simulation of construction crew performance. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 146(5): 04020041, ISSN 0733-9364

Abstract

The use of agent-based modeling (ABM) in the analysis of construction processes and practices has increased significantly over the last decade. However, the developed models are not able to address both random and subjective uncertainties that exist in many construction processes and practices. Monte Carlo simulation is able to account for random uncertainty, and fuzzy logic is able to account for the subjective uncertainty that exists in model variables and relationships. In this paper, a methodology for the development of fuzzy Monte Carlo agent-based models in construction is provided, and its application is illustrated through the development of a model of construction crew performance. This paper makes three contributions: first, it expands ABM's scope of applicability by showing how to model both random and subjective uncertainty in ABM; second, it provides a novel methodology for integrating fuzzy logic and Monte Carlo simulation in ABM, which allows for the development of fuzzy Monte Carlo agent-based models in construction; and third, it illustrates a fuzzy Monte Carlo agent-based simulation of construction crew performance, which improves the assessment of crew performance by considering both random and subjective uncertainties in model variables.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: agent-based simulation; crew performance; fuzzy logic; fuzzy Monte Carlo simulation; Monte Carlo simulation
Index terms: fuzzy logic, Monte Carlo simulation, agent-based modelling, crew performance, methodology, construction process, agent
Subjects: modelling and simulation, data science, practitioner, building construction, management, research methods
Topics: Digital Applications, Site Management, Research Practice, Roles and Professions
Descriptive scope: 3 PTA

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