Brodetskaia, I; Sacks, R and Shapira, A (2011) A workflow model for systems and interior finishing works in building construction. Construction Management and Economics, 29(12), pp. 1209-1227. ISSN 1466433X
Abstract
Modelling the flow of systems and interior finishing works in building construction has been hampered by the inability of traditional critical path modelling to reflect features of these works such as uncertainty, instability, non-linear and interrupted value-adding processes and re-entrant flow. Drawing on empirical data collected in a work study of a large residential project, a novel workflow model is proposed that explicitly models the flows of products and crews at a fine-grained level. The overall model includes a trade workflow model with a module for each work-package type, and a project level model in which multiple trade modules are embedded. The model was tested through implementation of a simulation of a prototypical construction project involving seven work-packages performed in a 20-storey residential tower with 120 customized apartments. The modelled flows of crews through the test building reflected the same behavioural features observed in construction projects. The model enables evaluation of the impact of management policies on production flow at different levels of detail. It is useful as a research tool and for future development of construction management software.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | building construction; interior works; lean construction; production systems; workflow |
| Index terms: | workflow, critical path, construction management software, package, work study, construction project, module, residential project, lean construction, modelling, production system, implementation, building construction, drawing |
| Subjects: | building construction, manufacturing engineering, contractual arrangements, operations research, information systems, economic development, management, technical documentation, analytical methods, production management, architectural elements |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Design Practice, Engineering Principles, Project Management, Construction Technology, Procurement, Time Control, Business Strategy, Site Management, Urban Studies |
| Descriptive scope: | 2 PC |
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