Shah, R K (2011) Innovative methodology for location-based scheduling and visualisation of earthworks in road construction projects. PhD thesis, Teesside University, UK.
Abstract
This thesis focuses on the development of an innovative location-based scheduling methodology and a computer-based model for improving earthwork operations in road construction projects. Analysis of existing planning and scheduling practices in road construction projects conducted in the course of this research concluded that planning, scheduling and resource allocation are largely dependent on subjective decisions. Also, shortcomings exist due to the distinct characteristics of earthworks, e.g. one-off projects with uncertain site conditions and soil characteristics, causing delays and cost overruns of projects. The literature review found that existing linear scheduling methods provide inaccurate location-based information about earthworks and fail to integrate different productivity rates. A survey was used to capture and analyse industrial practices and issues related to delays and cost overruns. This analysis revealed that the accurate location-based information is vital for efficient resource planning and progress monitoring. Following these findings, a theoretical framework and specification were developed to automate location-based scheduling and visualisation of information. A prototype model was developed by integrating road design data, sectional quantities, productivity rates, unit cost, site access points, and arithmetic algorithms. The algorithms underpinning the model enable the generation of time-location plans automatically as a key output of the model. Weekly progress profiles, space congestion plans, and cost S-curves are the other outputs. A cut-fill algorithm was developed to identify optimum quantities of earthwork and its associated costs. Experiments were conducted with design data provided by a road construction company to demonstrate the model?s functionality. Sensitivity analysis was used to identify the critical factors relating to earthwork scheduling. It was found that the model is capable of generating time-location plans, considering the critical factors and location aspects. Finally, the model was evaluated using a case study and validated by road construction professionals using an indirect comparison method. It was concluded that the model is a valuable tool for producing location-based scheduling, optimising resource planning and assisting in the communication of scheduling information from the location viewpoints in the earthwork projects.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Dawood, N N; Dean, J T and Castro, S |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | case study; communication; construction project; earthworks; experiment; productivity; scheduling; s-curves; visualisation |
| Index terms: | visualization, unit cost, progress monitoring, construction project, methodology, linear scheduling, functionality, literature review, prototype, experiment, survey, earthwork, specification, scheduling, sensitivity analysis, resource planning, s-curve, road construction, cost overrun, productivity, critical factor, resource allocation, case study |
| Subjects: | modelling and simulation, data analysis and analytics, resource management, financial and cost management, risk assessment, data collection methods, project controls, design practice, management, economics, civil engineering, contractual condition, construction methods, design features, operations research, environmental hazards, research methods, production management |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Business Strategy, Cost Management, Design Practice, Site Management, Contract Administration, Time Control, Engineering Principles, Project Management, Sustainability, Risk Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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