Hybrid modelling framework for synthesizing virtual structures

Erecting a structure in a construction project involves the use of a number of complex, interacting processes. Systematic analysis of these processes is essential for ensuring that they are executed in the most efficient way possible. However, traditional tools like CPM and PERT and other analytical and mathematical approaches cannot capture the dynamics of construction processes. These problems could be overcome by conducting experiments on the real-world processes themselves but such experiments can be prohibitively expensive. Thus, a more feasible approach that can overcome these drawbacks is required. This paper presents a framework-based approach for facilitating the analyses of the operations required for the construction of a structure with a specific configuration by building the structure virtually in a digital computer using discrete-event simulation. The approach utilizes a hybrid framework that combines the flexibility and simplicity of semantic networks with the power of object-orientation to facilitate discrete-event simulation. A predominantly product-centric modelling approach is used in the development of the framework. A sample application is given illustrating the application of the framework-based approach for the analyses of the operations required for the construction of the structure.