Lei, Zhen (2015) Automated simulation model for crane motion planning in heavy industrial projects. PhD thesis, University of Alberta, Canada.
Abstract
Abstract: In North America, industrial projects are constructed using a modularization/offsite construction method. Modules, such as pipe racks and vessels, are prefabricated offsite in factories, assembled in module yards, and shipped to the site for installation. This process has been adopted by the industry to achieve high efficiency and reduce waste by eliminating as much on-site work as possible. During the on-site installation, expensive mobile cranes are used for lifting activities, and appropriate use of these cranes can reduce costs and shorten the construction process. On the contrary, improper management of crane operations can lead to budget overruns, schedule delays, and safety issues. To ensure a smooth lifting process, engineering design for crane motions becomes necessary as a reference for onsite lifting. However, the current design process is manual-based, and consequently day-to-day changes of the site information make the process tedious and error-prone. Thus, a solution must be sought which provides rapid and accurate design of crane motions. In this context, crane motions can be categorized into "pick-and-swing" and "crane walking": in the first case, the crane lifts the module from a fixed location, while in the second scenario the crane picks the module and walks a certain distance with the load before delivering it to its final location. This research proposes a generic methodology for crane motion planning which captures the characteristics and typical constraints of crane motion planning. This approach is implemented as a series of computer systems for automating the planning process. Actual industrial projects are used to test the proposed computer system and validate the approach.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Bouferguene, Ahmed and Mohamed, Al-Hussein |
| Index terms: | budget overrun, construction process, methodology, lifting, computer system, design process, safety issue, construction method, modularization, engineering design, module, site work, planning process, schedule delay, efficiency, onsite |
| Subjects: | occupational health and safety management, project controls, performance management, financial and cost management, computing systems, design methods, building construction, design process, financial risk, architectural elements, research methods, site logistics |
| Topics: | Time Control, Site Management, Digital Applications, Design Practice, Construction Technology, Cost Management, Research Practice, Quality Management, Health and Safety |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCT |
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