Fisher, D J (1989) Piping erection constructability issues in a semiautomated environment. PhD thesis, University of Texas at Austin, USA.
Abstract
This research endeavor focuses on how semi-automated piping construction for process plants may become both technically and economically viable through constructability enhancement. Constructability underscores the importance of up-front decisions during project planning, design, and procurement in support of the construction effort. Constructability is a key objective for achieving project success, particularly for projects involving some degree of automation. This study answers the question regarding how project planning, design, and field operations need modifying in order to support the automated field effort and thus achieve the overall success objective. The semi-automated environment of piping erection assumes a Pipe Manipulator attached to the boom of a 22-ton rough-terrain crane for the base piece of pipe lifting equipment. The scope of this study is the analysis of horizontal piping erection. Five major categories of constructability issues are addressed in detail and include problems related to the Pipe Manipulator. These issues are associated with the typical layout, sequencing, and accessibility design of the permanent plant, and issues related to traditional material handling and equipment/tools capabilities/configurations. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of analyses are utilized as a means to compile empirical data regarding innovations for a semi-automated construction process. These include the qualitative techniques of diagrammatical analysis through the use of "hierarchy of objectives" diagrams and Pro/Con charts. Quantitative methods include physical modeling and computer simulation via a 3-D CAD simulation software package. Operations research techniques are also reviewed for the possibility of embedding Manipulator path optimization algorithms into the computer simulation model for path calculations.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | O'Connor, J T |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | accessibility; automation; constructability; equipment; material handling; optimization; project planning; project success; simulation |
| Index terms: | software package, computer simulation, project planning, material handling, operations research, lifting, quantitative method, configuration, optimization algorithm, project success, accessibility, modelling, constructability, automation, automated construction process |
| Subjects: | design methods, control systems, modelling and simulation, data analysis and analytics, software systems, construction integration, project management theory and practice, occupational health and safety management, systems engineering, product delivery, analytical methods, inclusive design, algorithms, automation and robotics |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Design Practice, Digital Applications, Project Management, Engineering Principles, Health and Safety, Supply Chain Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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