Alshibani, A (2008) Optimizing and controlling earthmoving operations using spatial technologies. PhD thesis, Concordia University, Canada.
Abstract
This thesis presents a model designed for optimizing, tracking, and controlling earthmoving operations. The proposed model utilizes, Genetic Algorithm (GA), Linear Programming (LP), and spatial technologies including Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to support the management functions of the developed model. The model assists engineers and contractors in selecting near optimum crew formations in planning phase and during construction, using GA and LP supported by the Pathfinder Algorithm developed in a GIS environment. GA is used in conjunction with a set of rules developed to accelerate the optimization process and to avoid generating and evaluating hypothetical and unrealistic crew formations. LP is used to determine quantities of earth to be moved from different borrow pits and to be placed at different landfill sites to meet project constraints and to minimize the cost of these earthmoving operations. On the one hand, GPS is used for onsite data collection and for tracking construction equipment in near real-time. On the other hand, GIS is employed to automate data acquisition and to analyze the collected spatial data. The model is also capable of reconfiguring crew formations dynamically during the construction phase while site operations are in progress. The optimization of the crew formation considers: (1) construction time, (2) construction direct cost, or (3) construction total cost. The model is also capable of generating crew formations to meet, as close as possible, specified time and/or cost constraints. In addition, the model supports tracking and reporting of project progress utilizing the earned-value concept and the project ratio method with modifications that allow for more accurate forecasting of project time and cost at set future dates and at completion. The model is capable of generating graphical and tabular reports. The developed model has been implemented in prototype software, using Object-Oriented Programming, Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC), and has been coded using visual C++ V. 6. Microsoft Access is employed as database management system. The developed software operates in Microsoft windows' environment. Three example applications were analyzed to validate the development made and to illustrate the essential features of the developed model.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | geographic information system; optimization; construction equipment; equipment; landfill; construction phase; earthmoving; forecasting; information system; programming; site operations; linear programming |
| Index terms: | window, project constraint, geographic information system, information system, earthmoving, spatial data, direct cost, genetic algorithm, construction time, construction phase, programming, engineer, construction equipment, site operation, linear programming, landfill, onsite, prototype, data acquisition, forecasting, database, management system |
| Subjects: | project delivery, management, data management, modelling and simulation, control systems, geographical techniques and analysis, prediction and forecasting, information systems, operations management, architectural elements, spatial and geospatial analysis, algorithms, construction operations, programming, building construction, construction equipment, economics, waste management, data collection methods, profession, project controls |
| Topics: | Time Control, Research Practice, Sustainability, Project Management, Construction Technology, Cost Management, Geographical Context, Plant and Equipment, Site Management, Digital Applications, Roles and Professions, Design Practice, Organizational Design, Engineering Principles |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
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