Ebrahimy, Y; AbouRizk, S M; Fernando, S and Mohamed, Y (2011) Simulation modeling and sensitivity analysis of a tunneling construction project's supply chain. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 18(5), pp. 462-480. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to develop a simulation model capable of capturing the complex variables impacting the productivity of tunneling construction projects. Design/methodology/approach - Simulation modeling is used to construct high-level models of construction supply networks in order to perform quantitative analysis, enabling planners to work out the embedded complexities of the system. Findings - This study presents a detailed simulation model of a real life tunnel construction project along with its supply chain of liner segments. Using this detailed model, a sensitivity analysis for the tunneling project shows the impact of chosen variables on the duration of a tunneling project; these results are used to verify the importance of considering the whole supply chain of a construction project in the planning stage. Practical implications - Effective quality control, consideration of the shortage of storage space, and anticipation of required lead time when placing the first order to achieve the full storage capacity of liners before the start of a project are some practices that can be employed by construction organizations to address supply chain issues for tunneling projects. Originality/value - Research into quantifying the benefits of implementing supply chain management (SCM) is very limited: the literature for the construction industry generally discusses how SCM concepts can be adopted, or what problems and challenges inhibit such adoption without analyzing and quantifying the effects of these techniques on an actual construction project.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | modelling; productivity analysis; project management; simulation; supply chain management; systems management; tunnel construction |
| Index terms: | productivity, tunnel construction, construction organization, systems management, modelling, quality control, construction industry, duration, project management, placing, lead time, simulation modelling, planner, sensitivity analysis, quantitative analysis, complexity, methodology, construction project |
| Subjects: | organization, profession, analytical methods, project delivery, data analysis and analytics, project management theory and practice, production management, research methods, civil engineering, concrete and cementitious materials, management, environmental hazards, systems engineering, industry analysis, project controls |
| Topics: | Time Control, Quality Management, Roles and Professions, Sustainability, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Project Management, Engineering Principles, Construction Materials |
| 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