Altuwaim, A A (2018) Optimal scheduling and resource utilization for repetitive construction projects. PhD thesis, University of Illinois, USA.
Abstract
Repetitive construction projects require construction crews to repeat their work in a number of locations in the same project, moving from one location to the next. Scheduling this type of projects often requires maximizing work continuity for these crews while reducing the project duration and the use of overtime. The main goal of this study is to present the development of novel models for optimizing the scheduling of repetitive construction projects that is capable of accomplishing these planning objectives. To achieve this goal, the research objectives of this study are to develop (1) a novel heuristic and computationally-efficient scheduling model for repetitive projects that minimizes both the project duration and crew work interruptions; (2) an innovative optimization model for scheduling repetitive construction projects that is capable of searching for and identifying optimal schedules that minimize project duration, work interruptions, and interruption costs; and (3) a novel multi-objective optimization model for repetitive construction projects that generates optimal tradeoffs among project duration, work interruptions, and overtime use.The performance of these developed models was analyzed and verified by comparing their results to those generated by existing models. The results of this analysis illustrates the novel and unique capabilities of the developed models in generating optimal tradeoffs among project duration, work interruptions, and overtime use. These novel capabilities are expected to provide much needed support to planners of repetitive construction projects and enable them to (i) minimize project duration, (ii) maximize crew work continuity, (iii) minimize interruption costs, (iv) minimize the use of overtime hours; and (v) reduce the required time and effort to perform the scheduling computations for large-scale repetitive construction projects by using a computationally efficient heuristic scheduling model.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | El-Rayes, K |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | duration; optimization; repetitive construction; scheduling; heuristic; construction project |
| Index terms: | repetitive project, resource utilization, heuristic, multi-objective optimization, planner, duration, scheduling, repetitive construction, tradeoff, construction project, computation |
| Subjects: | operations research, site logistics, algorithms, production management, building construction, profession, risk assessment, computational methods, project controls, decision analysis |
| Topics: | Roles and Professions, Construction Technology, Digital Applications, Time Control, Site Management, Project Management, Risk Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 2 PC |
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