Abstract
COVID-19 has posed challenges for the construction industry, such as precise pandemic control, sustainable labor relations, and loss minimization. In response to these challenges, this study has developed a decision model that optimizes workforce allocation for projects to achieve sustainable workforce management, a tradeoff between pandemic prevention and work resumption. The priority of project resumption was evaluated using basic characteristics, the long- and short-term strategies, and the regional pandemic situation. The energy level of skilled workers was graded according to construction team size, skill level, and experience. Sustainable allocation principles and paths were explored to target four different types of work resumption plans. We used the cellular automaton (CA) technique to simulate the sustainable allocation model. We also analyzed the similarity function of energy levels and the time-cost function of allocation. The case study of the SGJ Construction demonstrates that this allocation model can accurately simulate work resumption and provide a sustainable allocation decisions and tools under pandemic. Also, it implies balanced interests and concerns between construction companies and the society for work resumption during COVID-19.
Highlights
In late 2019 and early 2020, the COVID-19 breakout pressed the pause button for work and life in China
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that impacts from COVID-19 will last for some time
Industries should achieve a balance between pandemic prevention and work resumption
Summary
In late 2019 and early 2020, the COVID-19 breakout pressed the pause button for work and life in China. The pandemic affected various industries including the construction industry, which has high requirements on project scheduling and cost control. To mitigate losses due to work suspension, construction companies paid attention to local disease control policies in project areas and planned for work resumption when possible. When and how to resume projects is challenging for project management. It is known that construction companies often carry out several projects at the same time, which has been called project pool in this paper. The widespread pandemic has affected project pool in different locations and nearby labor recruitment centers. A sustainable work-resumption plan should consider both project characteristics and local pandemic situation when allocating resources
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