Liu, Y and Mohamed, Y (2012) Modelling industrial construction operations using a multi-agent resource allocation framework. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 19(4), pp. 406-427. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose -Modelling construction resources and their dynamic interactions and constraints are a challenging problem. The allocation of these resources to competing activities is usually a function required in any scheduling process. Performing such allocation under a dynamic and diverse set of constraints adds more complexity to the problem. This study seeks a structured approach for representing resources and their allocation to different activities through the use of an agent-oriented modelling framework. Design/methodology/approach -A model is developed for a real case of assembly operations of industrial construction modules. The model follows a multi-agent resource allocation structure and is implemented within an agent-based simulation environment. The model is used to evaluate the effects of different optimization algorithms and modelling parameters on the generation of a construction schedule. Different experiments run through the model and their results are analyzed and discussed. Findings -The model showed sensitivity only under large and continuous workloads. Overall the structured approach followed in developing the model provided a flexible medium for experimenting with different elements of the resource allocation problem. Research limitations/implications -The work is limited to the studied case and the results cannot be generalized beyond similar cases. The modelling approach used in the study provides a platform that can facilitate future research in construction resource allocation strategies. Originality/value -The presented work demonstrates a new approach for modelling construction resource allocation problems that enables structured experimentation with alternative allocation algorithms. It also presents a novel way for modelling modular industrial construction operations.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction industry; construction materials; construction operations; process analysis; simulation |
| Index terms: | workload, experiment, strategy, scheduling, complexity, agent, optimization algorithm, methodology, construction operation, platform, resource allocation, modelling, interaction, industrial construction, construction industry, module, construction material, process analysis |
| Subjects: | practitioner, data collection methods, resource management, analytical methods, construction operations, operations research, building materials, digital design, algorithms, research methods, management, architectural elements, systems engineering, behavioral psychology, industry analysis, building construction |
| Topics: | Roles and Professions, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Site Management, Time Control, Design Practice, Digital Applications, Human Resources |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
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