Attar, A; Boudjakdji, M A; Bhuiyan, N; Grine, K; Kenai, S and Aoubed, A (2009) Integrating numerical tools in underground construction process. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 16(4), pp. 376-391. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to show how the time frame for the execution of a construction project in Algeria is rarely respected because of organizational problems and uncertainties encountered while the execution is underway. Design/methodology/approach - A case study on the construction of a metro station is used as a pilot project to show the effectiveness of replacing traditional construction processes by more innovative procedures. Concurrent engineering (CE) is applied to optimize the execution time of the underground structure. A numerical simulation is integrated into the construction process in order to update design parameters with real site conditions observed during the construction process. Findings - The results show that the implementation of CE is efficient in reducing the completion time, with an 18 per cent reduction observed in this case study. A cost reduction of 20 per cent on the steel frame support and a total cost reduction of 3 per cent were obtained. Research limitations/implications - The study demonstrates that the application of CE methods can be quite valuable in large, complex construction projects. Vulgarizing it as "the solution" to adjust time frame delay, control quality and cost, might be an issue for local construction enterprises in Algeria. Originality/value - Using the concept of CE by overlapping different activities involved in a construction project and making use of simulation tools in the process at different stages of the execution have resulted in modifying the excavation method and hence reducing the completion times.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction engineering; simulation; structures |
| Index terms: | underground construction, implementation, underground structure, concurrent engineering, construction engineering, effectiveness, design parameter, numerical simulation, Algeria, case study, traditional construction, simulation tool, cost reduction, steel frame, methodology, construction process, construction project, completion time, excavation |
| Subjects: | production management, Geography, structural engineering, research methods, engineering methods, economics, performance management, heritage and conservation, project controls, building construction, geotechnical engineering, design constraints, data collection methods, contractual arrangements, construction operations, analytical methods, modelling and simulation |
| Topics: | Site Management, Time Control, Design Practice, Quality Management, Procurement, Cost Management, Geographical Context, Project Management, Research Practice, Engineering Principles |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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