Modeling the space behavior of construction activities

Riley, D R (1994) Modeling the space behavior of construction activities. PhD thesis, Pennsylvania State University, USA.

Abstract

Building construction requires space to move, store, and fabricate materials and perform work. The spatial needs of construction activities for multi-story buildings create complex networks of paths, material storage areas and work areas. Currently, no formal description exists of the reasons construction activities need space. The relationship between required space and the sequence planning process is also not clearly defined. This research presents a Space Planning Model that helps a construction planner to design a productive work environment that minimizes work space congestion and interference. Two components of the Space Planning Model are defined. The first is a collection of descriptive space types and typical patterns which describe how space is used in multi-story building construction (Construction Space Model). The space model identifies twelve unique reasons that construction activities use space, and the spatial impacts of finished work in place. The second is a process that assists a construction planner to develop sequence plans which considers these space requirements (Planning Process Model). The planning model identifies four basic planning steps: (1) the identification of needed spaces, (2) the positioning of these spaces, (3) the development of a sequence in which space is used, and (4) the identification of spatial conflicts. Through case study research and interviews, the space model and planning model components were found to accurately represent the targeted construction environment and address key space planning issues. The components of the Space Planning Model were then applied collectively to realistic sets of conditions, and found to be successful in identifying spatial conflicts before they occurred.

Item Type: Thesis (Doctoral)
Thesis advisor: Sanvido, V E
Uncontrolled Keywords: construction activities; conflicts; construction planner; case study; interview
Index terms: planning process, case study, construction activity, work environment, modelling, interview, building construction, space planning, multistory building, construction planner
Subjects: analytical methods, construction operations, data collection methods, construction type, practitioner, building construction, project controls, management, design process
Topics: Design Practice, Time Control, Site Management, Organizational Design, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Roles and Professions, Construction Technology
Descriptive scope: 3 PCE

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