Abstracts – Browse Results
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Abdelgawad, M A M (2011) Hybrid decision support system for risk criticality assessment and risk analysis, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Al-Bataineh, M T (2008) Scenario-based planning for tunnelling construction, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Allouche, E N (2001) A decision-support model for selection of a trenchless construction method, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Alvanchi, A (2011) Incorporating the effects of complex dynamic interactions in the construction decision making process, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Awad, A L S (2012) Intelligent contractor default prediction model for surety bonding in the construction industry, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta.
Azimi, R (2011) An integrated real-time control system for structural steel fabrication projects, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Chehayeb, N N (1996) Simulation-based project control, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Corona Suarez, G A (2007) Simulation-aided framework for assessing the effect of project quality management on construction performance, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Dissanayake, G M (2006) An integrated computational intelligence framework for construction performance diagnosis, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Ekyalimpa, R (2015) A distributed simulation approach for contractor company performance management in the construction industry, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta.
El Ghandour, W (2007) Integrated information-based construction simulation system, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Elbarkouky, M M G (2010) A fuzzy consensus building framework for early alignment of construction project teams on the extent of their roles and responsibilities, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
ElNimr, A A (2011) Enhancing space modeling and mobile resources planning in construction operations through a simulation driven visualization framework, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Fan, H (2007) Leveraging operational data for intelligent decision support in construction equipment management, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Hajjar, D (1999) A unified modeling methodology for simulation-based planning of construction projects, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Hasan, M S (2013) Decision support system for crane selection and location optimization on construction sites, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Inyang, N I (2013) A framework for ergonomic assessment of residential construction tasks, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Langevine, R (2006) A decision support system for the maintenance management of buildings, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Liu, J (2018) Dual-level resource-constrained multi-project scheduling framework for prefabrication in construction, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta.
Lu, M (2000) Productivity studies using advanced ANN models, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Mah, D E (2011) Framework for rating the sustainability of the residential construction practice, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Manavazhi, M R (1998) A configuration-based modeling methodology for the automated generation of simulation models in construction, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Mao, X (2008) The framework of TRIZ-enhanced-value engineering analysis and its knowledge management, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Moghadam, M (2014) Lean-mod: An approach to modular construction manufacturing production efficiency improvement, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Moghani, E (2013) A simulation-based framework for as-built documentation of construction process and product information, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Mogollon, J D M (2009) Automation of design and drafting for wood frame structures and construction waste minimization, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Mohamed, Y (2002) A framework for systematic improvement of construction systems, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta.
Nassar, N K (2005) An integrated framework for evaluation, forecasting and optimization of performance of construction projects, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Olearczyk, J (2010) Crane lifting operation planning and lifted object spatial trajectory analysis, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Pereira, E S S (2017) A framework for assessing the safety performance of industrial projects using safety-related measures, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta.
Saba, F (2012) A semantic-driven framework for facilitating reusability and interoperability of construction simulation modeling, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Salem, O M (1999) Infrastructure construction and rehabilitation: Risk-based life cycle cost analysis, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Shaheen, A A-H I (2005) A framework for integrating fuzzy set theory and discrete event simulation in construction engineering, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Shahin, A A (2007) A framework for cold weather construction simulation, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Sharma, V (2010) Asset levels of service-based decision support system for municipal infrastructure investment, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Siu, M F (2016) Development of quantitative methods for project scheduling and workface planning under time-dependent resource constraints, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta.
- Type: Thesis
- Keywords: decision support; duration; optimization; collaboration; construction planning; critical path method; project planning; resource allocation; scheduling; Canada; case study; simulation; construction project; project manager; scheduler; workflow
- ISBN/ISSN:
- URL: https://doi.org/10.7939/R36688Q4G
- Abstract:
Analytical decision support for project scheduling and workface planning under time-dependent resource constraints is limited in industrial-construction. Previous project scheduling research endeavors in the construction engineering and management domain focused on formulating resource-constrained project schedules by use of simulation and optimization techniques in order to shorten the total project duration based on the classic critical path method (CPM), subject to fixed resource supply over project period. Nonetheless, the following critical factors have not been adequately considered and thoroughly treated in devising quantitative solutions, namely: (i) the thresholds of resource supply limits considered being sufficient to complete the project in the shortest possible duration, (ii) the varied resource provisions over different time periods during the project duration, and (iii) the sufficiency of the control budget for executing the formulated project schedule, and the efficiency of the deployed resources utilized when executing the formulated project schedule. Tackling the defined problems provides the motivation to deliver the present research. First, the resource supply-demand matching problem (RSDMP) approach is mathematically developed for scheduling construction projects with resource constraints. The result is an optimum resource-constrained schedule providing the shortest project duration with the leanest resource supply. The optimum resource requirement is identified between the lower and upper boundaries of resource supply limit. The optimum resource workflows of individual craft persons are presented. Next, a modified RSDMP approach is mathematically formalized aiming to generate the optimum resource-constrained project schedule under time-dependent resource constraints. The resulting optimum schedule shortens total project duration while streamlining resource supply for each specified project time period. The computational efficiency of applying the modified RSDMP approach to the construction project with practical size and complexity is examined. Then, a quantitative assessment approach is developed for mathematically characterizing budget sufficiency and resource utilization for a resource-constrained project schedule in an objective fashion. The method is applied for evaluating and visualizing budget sufficiency and resource utilization to assess multiple alternative resource-constrained project schedules as derived from any resource-based scheduling approaches, such as the practical scheduling approach (Primavera P6) and schedule optimization techniques (RSDMP approaches). In close collaboration with a major contractor of industrial-construction in Alberta Canada, the practical application needs have been identified on plant shutdown and maintenance projects to justify the problem statement for this research and motivate its solution formulations. As such, apart from the example case studies adapted from textbooks used to illustrate the developed quantitative scheduling techniques, a plant shutdown and maintenance project serves a real-world case to demonstrate the applications of the developed approaches in practical settings. The academic contributions of this research work are demonstrated by the development of quantitative scheduling methods developed for planning industrial-construction project. The resource supply-demand matching problem (RSDMP) is generalized; while formalizing the RSDMP approach which consists of a mathematical model, a two-stage optimization approach, and an innovative use of a refined resource-activity interaction table. The RSDMP approach is then modified in coping with time-dependent resource constraints. The analytical metrics of budget sufficiency and resource utilization are defined from project scheduling perspectives, including budgeted units, deployed units, scheduled units, budget sufficiency index, budget sufficiency variance, resource utilization index, and resource utilization variance. The industrial contributions of this research work re demonstrated by the implementation of the developed methods to improve the existing practice of planning plant shutdown and maintenance projects. In practice, the resources are budgeted and allocated based upon the rough estimate of resource supply for matching resource demand throughout the project duration. The assessment of budget sufficiency and resource utilization are commonly made based on experience. In contrast, the optimum RSDMP schedule is practically feasible and workface executable. The modified RSDMP optimum plan avoids undersupply and oversupply of resources for particular time periods. The budget sufficiency index/variance and resource utilization index/variance provide analytical bases to justify increasing the project budget or performing schedule optimization to effectively cope with contingencies (including unexpected work during project planning stage). In reality, this is inevitable during project execution. In essence, the developed planning methodologies not only make academic contribution by advancing the state-of-the-art in construction engineering and management, but also remain practically relevant to the critical industrial-construction planning practice, enabling project managers, project schedulers, and field superintendents to make informed, sound decisions in terms of project scheduling, resource allocation, and project budgeting.
Soleimanifar, M (2016) Integrated project management framework for a pipe spool fabrication shop, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta.
Song, L (2004) Productivity modeling for steel fabrication projects, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Taghaddos, H (2010) Developing a generic resource allocation framework for construction simulation, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Van Tol, A A (2005) Agent embedded simulation modeling framework for construction engineering and management applications, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Wang, P (2006) Production-based large scale construction simulation modeling, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Xie, H (2011) Improving dynamic project control in tunnel construction, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Xie, H (2012) Improving dynamic project control in tunnel construction, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta.
Xu, J (2001) CAD-based integrated simulation environment (CAD-ise), Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Younes, B (2013) A framework for invoice management in construction, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Yu, H (2010) An integrated approach toward lean for production homebuilders, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).
Zhang, X (2006) Toward innovative and efficient infrastructure delivery, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , University of Alberta (Canada).