Developing a Process Model for Optimizing Linear Process Plans Based on Three Types of Buffers and Brute-Force Algorithm

Abstract

The network and the bar chart scheduling method have been widely used so far without distinguishing non-repetitive and repetitive construction projects. However, these scheduling methods have limitations when it comes to establishing effective process plans for construction projects in which construction crews with different levels of productivity carry out repetitive activities by shifting their locations in serial order. Thus, in construction projects with many repetitive processes, the linear scheduling method (LSM) would be more appropriate for establishing effective process plans because it visually expresses the crew productivity for each activity in a unit space. In the case of LSM, however, since the relationship between activities is not clear and its establishment also has limitations, the optimization on LSM in terms of the construction cost or time is a very limited and subjective matter, even for scheduling experts. Therefore, the objective of this research is to develop a process model based on Brute-Force Algorithm for optimizing linear process plans, in consideration of the correlation between the construction cost and time, by utilizing the three types of buffers. These buffers are developed to establish the relations between activities both quantitatively and logically by considering the characteristics of LSM.