Simplified Simulation Model Development for Construction Projects

by Amr A. Oloufa, (M.ASCE), Penn State Univ, University Park, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Computing in Civil Engineering

Abstract:

The application of discrete event simulation tools is extremely beneficial in improving the efficiency of building construction activities. Simulation is used to evaluate construction methods and aids the study of the efficiency of various alternatives. However, due to the necessary investment in time and cost needed to develop the simulation model and program the corresponding code in a simulation language, the practice of simulation in building construction has not been popular. Also the lack of training in simulation in most undergraduate and graduate engineering curricula has hampered the application of this useful tool. This paper reports on ongoing research aimed at simplifying the development of simulation models. The construction manager will select equipment and crews from a library of resources and then specify the interaction of these resources in an intuitive mode with no programming. With the advent of object-oriented modeling and programming, simulation entities may be described in a format that encapsulates their characteristics and capabilities. The user will be capable of changing the number and/or mix of equipment with little or no change to the underlying simulation code.

Subject Headings: Construction management | Construction equipment | Computer programming | Simulation models | Construction methods | Building codes | Computer models

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