A space-constrained resource-constrained scheduling system for multi-story buildings

Abstract

Current planning and scheduling techniques ignore the requirements of activities for work area or space. Any task or activity requires a specific work space for its execution. This demand is based on the space requirements of each resource allocated to the activity. When such required demand becomes unavailable, the activity or task can not be executed or, in some cases, is performed with a lower productivity rate. This is because performance and maneuvering of either crew or equipment may become difficult and sometimes not possible.

This research provides a structured methodology to deal with the problem of limited work space availability. The research’s domain focuses on multi-story building construction with particular focus on the repetitive portion of the facility (i.e. typical floors). The research studies the issues of work space as a new decision factor for schedule generation in this type of construction.

A scheduling model is developed to define and incorporate work space availability in the scheduling process. The model includes a method to quantify work space parameters (space demand and space availability) for any activity. The model also presents a procedure to compare space demand to availability and provide scheduling decisions to Sequence each activity based on these two parameters.

The model allows for availability limits to be placed on resources required for the work by implementing limited resource scheduling techniques in the scheduling procedures. Horizontal and vertical logic constraints associated with repetitive work are also incorporated in the scheduling process of the model. Work continuity issues and varying productivity rates are used as scheduling decision options. The model adopts a procedure to schedule non-continuous activities using variable length segments along the typical floors.

In addition, the model allows for adjusting the initial defined resource demand pools for different activities to account for any modifications that may occur to the activity duration during scheduling. Loss of productivity as a result of the combined effect of travel time and learning curve phenomena is also incorporated in the generation of the schedule by the model.

The model is taken to a prototype proof of concept by developing SCaRC (Space Constrained and Resource Constrained) scheduling system. The system is implemented using a knowledge-based approach.