Simplified Scheduling of a Building Construction Process using Discrete Event Simulation

Published in: Innovation in Education and Inclusion : Proceedings of the 16th LACCEI International Multi-Conference for Engineering, Education and Technology
Date of Conference: July 18-20, 2018
Location of Conference: Lima, Perú
Authors: Eric Forcael (Universidad del Bío-Bío, CL)
Marcelo González (Universidad del Bío-Bío, CL)
Jaime Soto (Universidad del Bío-Bío, CL)
Francisco Ramis (Universidad del Bío-Bío, CL)
Carlos Rodríguez (Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, EC)
Full Paper: #194

Abstract:

Planning and Scheduling tools used by construction professionals nowadays not always consider the effect of variability in the construction process; they do not consider explicitly the effect of changes in activity durations along the production chain. Discrete event simulation approach is a relevant exception that deserves particular attention from the construction industry. The present research proposes a discrete event simulation model applied to a simplified construction process schedule. This model considered main construction activities divided in: foundations, structure and roofing. The model can be extended and easily applied to other construction activities. Input parameters for the model were obtained directly from on-site field experience and a beta unimodal distribution assigned. On a first stage, PERT scheduling methodology was used for the model, which was later compared with discrete event simulation. Results did not provide evidence of significant statistical differences between different probability distribution used with respect to the mean project duration obtained using PERT scheduling as compared to the discrete event simulation model. This provides conclusions about total project duration and validation of the probability distribution types considered in the present research.