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Simulation as a Tool for Resource
Management
Tarek M. Zayed and Daniel W. Halpin (Purdue University)
Abstract:
The decision-making process is a very essential part of
any construction operation. Simulation can be used as a tool to assist
construction managers in making informed decisions. In this paper, simulation
is applied to a Concrete Batch Plant to analyze alternative solutions and
resource management. Data is collected to define activity durations for the
plant. A simulation model is constructed for the plant using the Micro CYCLONE
simulation system. Based on sensitivity analysis, management tools are
constructed to help the decision-maker. These tools are a Time-Cost-Quantity
chart, a feasible region analysis and a contour lines chart.
Time-Cost-Quantity and contour lines charts are used for deciding production
time, production cost and required resources for a required distance from the
plant. The feasible region chart is used for deciding the range of alternative
solutions that can be taken to minimize production time and cost of the
available plant resources according to the required transportation distance.
Simphony - An Integrated Environment for Construction
Simulation
Simaan AbouRizk and Yasser Mohamed (University of
Alberta)
Abstract:
This paper discusses “Simphony?as an integrated
environment for building special purpose simulation tools for modeling
construction systems. Simphony provides various services that enable the
developer to easily control different behaviors in the developed tool such as
simulation behaviors, graphical representation, statistics, and animation.
These services allow building flexible and user-friendly tools in a relatively
short time. The developed tools (templates) then provide the building blocks
that a user (construction engineer) can use to create simulation models for
different construction domains without the need for a deep background in
simulation techniques. The services available for the developer are discussed
and examples of their use are illustrated. Samples of the tools developed with
Simphony are also reviewed to highlight some of their features.
Simulation of a Production Plant in the Brick
Industry
Erwin Rybin (Austrian Research Center Seibersdorf) and
Felix Breitenecker (Vienna University of Technology)
Abstract:
The paper deals with a simulation study on a planned
production plant in the brick industry. We implemented this plant in TAYLOR
II. Although the boundary conditions seemed relatively simple, we had to
manage a complex, non-linear system. For this reason we implemented “dynamic
priority” to the main part of the system, the travelling crane. Still this
sophisticated logic was not enough to guarantee good operation, because in
some situations the system runs out of capacity. We then gave recommendations
how to improve the situation for a perfect operation of the production system.
For this purpose we finally made an analysis of the necessary investment costs
against the running costs caused by system breakdown.
Javabeans-Based Framework for Construction
Simulation
Anil Sawhney, Hemant Deshpande, and André Mund (Arizona
State University)
Abstract:
The modeling and analysis of construction processes is
gaining recognition in the construction industry. Recent developments such as
Java-based simulation are giving a unique opportunity for improvements in the
modeling and analysis of construction processes. Component-based architecture
such as JavaBeans can be used to develop modular simulation environments
supporting high reusability of software components. This paper describes a
prototype component-based architecture for construction simulation. It
highlights the work performed by the authors in using JavaBeans for the
simulation of construction processes.
Optimizing Earthmoving Operations Using
Object-Oriented Simulation
Mohamed Marzouk and Osama Moselhi
(Concordia University)
Abstract:
This paper presents an automated system for optimizing
earthmoving operations. The proposed system can assist earthmoving
contractors, during bid preparation stage, in estimating the time and cost
required in order to accomplish the task at hand. It also provides a
methodology for recommending the most suitable equipment fleet that satisfies
the job requirements and the stated objectives of contractors. The system
consists of four components: 1) simulation module; 2) equipment cost
application (ECA); 3) equipment database application (EDA); 4) reporting
module. The paper provides a brief description of the system and focuses
primarily on the design of the simulation module utilizing object-oriented
simulation (OOS). A numerical example is presented to demonstrate the use of
the developed system and illustrate its capabilities.
3D Visualization of Simulated Construction
Operations
Vineet R. Kamat and Julio C. Martinez (Virginia
Polytechnic Institute & State University )
Abstract:
Significant advances have been made in the field of
construction process modeling. However, no convenient graphical support tools
exist that can depict the modeled operations in 3D. This results in the “black
box” effect being experienced by many simulation output analysts who have
reservations about the credibility of the analysis based solely on the text
and chart based output provided by most simulation software. The process
visualization/animation tools currently available commercially are restricted
to two dimensions (e.g. PROOF(TM)), inherently lacking in the real world 3D
capabilities that are indispensable for the realistic visualization of many
construction operations. This paper describes ongoing research at Virginia
Tech that focuses on the development of a general-purpose, 3D text file-driven
visualization system. This system enables visualization of both the
construction processes and the evolving products in 3D. The input to the
program is an ASCII text file consisting of sequential animation commands.
This file can be generated automatically by a variety of simulation software
capable of writing formatted text during simulation runs. Due to the
flexibility of the command set and the independence of the tool from any
particular simulation modeling software, the system has numerous potential
applications in fields other than construction, such as in the manufacturing
and service industries.
Object-Oriented Technology for Enhancing Activity-Based
Modeling Functionality
Jonathan Jingsheng Shi (Illinois Institute
of Technology)
Abstract:
Computer simulation is a powerful tool for analyzing
and optimizing real-world systems with a wide range of successful
applications. However, construction engineers have difficulty in mastering
such techniques, particularly in modeling a construction process because
existing simulation modeling methods require the user to manipulate many
modeling elements in order to construct a simulation model for the process.
The activity-based construction (ABC) modeling method provides an easy-to-use
approach with one single element, e.g., activity, for modeling a construction
process. This paper discusses the integration of the object-oriented
technology with ABC. The object-oriented technology allows each activity
contain six classes of attributes describing the characteristics of the
activity including duration, logical sequence, resource requirement, etc.
These attributes are relevant to individual activities, and can be easily
understood by an engineer who is familiar with the process. After
incorporating these attributes, powerful modeling and simulation functions are
realized. The integration greatly enhances the capability of ABC so that the
enhanced ABC system has achieved both flexibility and ease-of-use essential
for a construction simulation system.
An Industry Perspective on the Role of Equipment-Based
Earthmoving Simulation
Govindan Kannan (Volvo Construction
Equipment NA), Luc Schmitz (Volvo Construction Equipment N.V.) and Christian
Larsen (Runge Pty Ltd.)
Abstract:
Over the last two decades, simulation of construction
operations has gained momentum in its ability to provide solutions and
understand complex problems. However, there still remains a distinct gap
between its role in the academia and the industry. This gap is not necessarily
due to the strategy – process interaction or activity scanning – but in the
orientation towards application. The success of a simulation program lies in
harnessing the collaborative features within a complex pattern of hierarchical
levels and user groups. For this purpose, simulation is classified into macro
and micro-level. User groups vary from manufacturer to supplier, and to the
owner (contractor). The purpose varies from designing machines and components,
to sales and customer-support, and to process design and improvement. The
functions of a simulation program must facilitate decision-making for each
user group that can be only achieved by the integration of micro- and
macro-level simulation. In addition, the role of simulation will constantly
evolve with the advent of emerging technologies. In this paper, the authors
present a discussion on the role of simulation in e-commerce from the
perspective of construction equipment industry.