Construction Multi-Project Scheduling Model Considering Different Resource Allocation Behavior

Abstract

According to previous researches, an investigation through small to mid-size construction contractors showed that 84% of construction contractors execute their projects in a multi-project environment. In a multi-project environment, scheduling problems with resource constraints are much more complicated than those in a single project. One of the most important factors that influence multi-project scheduling problems is resource allocation policy, depending on the types of resources, which can be defined by the way of resource acquisition and sharing behavior. This paper discusses resource allocation mechanism for construction multi-project scheduling issues, and then presents an optimization-based model to resolve resource allocation problems. This research developed a CP-based (Constraint Programming) model, which is capable of handling different optimization objectives such as minimizing total cost, overall project duration, subject to resource assignment combinations for each activity. Based on research results, the influence of different types of resource quantity on multi-project duration is discussed. Moreover, resource competitive behavior among all projects is recognized. It concludes that the effective increment of critical resources can reduce overall project duration. The major goal of this research is to find the relation among duration-cost-resource in a multi-project environment, and provide systematic information for construction parties when making resource allocation decisions.