Resource levelling in repetitive construction projects with interruptions: an integrated approach
Abstract
Despite the significance of resource levelling, project managers lack various ways to smooth resource usage fluctuation of a repetitive construction project besides changing resource usage. Tolerating interruptions is an effective way to provide flexibility for a schedule but is ignored when solving resource levelling problems. Therefore, this paper investigates the impacts of interruptions on resource usage fluctuation and develops an integrated approach that simultaneously integrates two scheduling adjusting processes: changing resource usage and tolerating interruptions. In this paper, two interruption conditions are proposed to identify which activities are suitable to be interrupted for smoothing resource usage fluctuation. The traditional resource levelling model is modified to a new scheduling model by incorporating interruptions. A two-stage GA-based scheduling algorithm is developed by integrating changing resource usage and tolerating interruptions. A commonly used pipeline project is adopted to illustrate the steps of the proposed approach and demonstrate its effectiveness and superiority through comparison with previous studies. A large-scale project further verifies the usability of the proposed approach. The results confirmed the feasibility to smooth resource usage fluctuation by interruptions, and the integrated approach can achieve a more competitive resource levelling result.
Keyword : construction management, repetitive construction project, scheduling, resource levelling, work interruption, optimization
How to Cite
Dai, G., Liao, M., & Zhang, R. (2023). Resource levelling in repetitive construction projects with interruptions: an integrated approach. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 29(2), 93–106. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2023.17568
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
References
Agrama, F. A. (2014). Multi-objective genetic optimization for scheduling a multi-storey building. Automation in Construction, 44(8), 119–128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2014.04.005
Altuwaim, A., & El-Rayes, K. (2018a). Minimizing duration and work interruptions of repetitive construction projects. Automation in Construction, 88, 59–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2017.12.024
Altuwaim, A., & El-Rayes, K. (2018b). Optimizing the scheduling of repetitive construction to minimize interruption cost. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 144(7), 04018051. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001510
Amini, S. M., & Heravi, G. (2009). Schedule compression for construction projects by interruption in LOB scheduling. AACE International Transactions, 4, 1–18.
Ammar, M. A. (2013). LOB and CPM integrated method for scheduling repetitive construction projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 139(1), 44–50. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000569
Ammar, M. A. (2020). Resource optimisation in line of balance scheduling. Construction Management and Economics, 38(8), 715–725. https://doi.org/10.1080/01446193.2019.1606924
Ammar, M. A. (2022). Optimization of line of balance scheduling considering work interruption. International Journal of Construction Management, 22(2), 305–316. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2019.1624003
Arabpour, R. M., & Moselhi, O. (2021). Optimized crew selection for scheduling of repetitive projects. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 28(6), 1517–1540. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-10-2019-0590
Arditi, D., Tokdemir, O. B., & Sun, K. (2001). Scheduling system for repetitive unit construction using line‐of‐balance technology. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 8(2), 90–103. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb021173
Bragadin, M. (2010, May). Heuristic repetitive activity scheduling process for networking techniques. In TG65 & W065-Special Track 18th CIB World Building Congress (pp. 331–342), Salford, United Kingdom.
Cheng, M. Y., Tran, D., & Hoang, N. D. (2017). Fuzzy clustering chaotic-based differential evolution for resource leveling in construction projects. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 23(1), 113–124. https://doi.org/10.3846/13923730.2014.982699
Cho, K., Hong, T., & Hyun, C. T. (2013). Space zoning concept-based scheduling model for repetitive construction process. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 19(3), 409–421. https://doi.org/10.3846/13923730.2012.757561
Damci, A., & Polat, G. (2014). Impacts of different objective functions on resource leveling in construction projects: A case study. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 20(4), 537–547. https://doi.org/10.3846/13923730.2013.801909
Damci, A., Arditi, D., & Polat, G. (2013a). Resource leveling in line-of-balance scheduling. Computer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, 28(9), 679–692. https://doi.org/10.1111/mice.12038
Damci, A., Arditi, D., & Polat, G. (2013b). Multiresource leveling in line-of-balance scheduling. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 139(9), 1108–1116. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000716
Damci, A., Arditi, D., & Polat, G. (2016). Impacts of different objective functions on resource leveling in line-of-balance scheduling. KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering, 20(1), 58–67. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-015-0578-7
Dolabi, H. R. Z., Afshar, A., & Abbasnia, R. (2014). CPM/LOB scheduling method for project deadline constraint satisfaction. Automation in Construction, 48, 107–118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2014.09.003
Eid, M., Elbeltagi, E., & El-Adaway, I. (2021). Simultaneous multicriteria optimization for scheduling linear infrastructure projects. International Journal of Construction Management, 21(1), 41–55. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2018.1505027
El-Rayes, K., & Moselhi, O. (2001). Optimizing resource utilization for repetitive construction projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 127(1), 18–27. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2001)127:1(18)
Georgy, M. E. (2008). Evolutionary resource scheduler for linear projects. Automation in Construction, 17(5), 573–583. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2007.10.005
Harmelink, D. J., & Rowings, J. E. (1998). Linear scheduling model: Development of controlling activity path. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 124(4), 263–268. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(1998)124:4(263)
Hassan, A., El-Rayes, K., & Attalla, M. (2021). Optimizing the scheduling of crew deployments in repetitive construction projects under uncertainty. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 28(6), 1615–1634. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-05-2020-0304
Hegazy, T., & Wassef, N. (2001). Cost optimization in projects with repetitive nonserial activities. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 127(3), 183–191. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2001)127:3(183)
Hegazy, T., Mostafa, K., & Ojulari, S. (2021). Tetris-inspired approach for generating tightly-packed repetitive schedules. Automation in Construction, 124, 103601. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103601
Hyari, K., & El-Rayes, K. (2006). Optimal planning and scheduling for repetitive construction projects. Journal of Management in Engineering, 22(1), 11–19. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0742-597X(2006)22:1(11)
Jaskowski, P., & Biruk, S. (2018). Reducing renewable resource demand fluctuation using soft precedence relations in project scheduling. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 24(4), 355–363. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2018.3043
Jaskowski, P., & Biruk, S. (2020). Scheduling of repetitive construction processes with concurrent work of similarly specialized crews. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 26(6), 579–589. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2020.12914
Liu, S. S., & Wang, C. J. (2007). Optimization model for resource assignment problems of linear construction projects. Automation in Construction, 16(4), 460–473. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2006.08.004
Long, L. D., & Ohsato, A. (2009). A genetic algorithm-based method for scheduling repetitive construction projects. Automation in Construction, 18(4), 499–511. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2008.11.005
Lucko, G. (2008). Productivity scheduling method compared to linear and repetitive construction project scheduling methods. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 134(9), 711–720. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2008)134:9(711)
Lucko, G. (2011). Integrating efficient resource optimization and linear schedule analysis with singularity functions. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 137(1), 45–55. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000244
Mattila, K. G., & Abraham, D. M. (1998). Resource leveling of linear schedules using integer linear programming. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 124(3), 232–244. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(1998)124:3(232)
Podolski, M. (2017). Management of resources in multiunit construction projects with the use of a tabu search algorithm. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 23(2), 263–272. https://doi.org/10.3846/13923730.2015.1073616
Podolski, M., & Sroka, B. (2019). Cost optimization of multiunit construction projects using linear programming and metaheuristic-based simulated annealing algorithm. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 25(8), 848–857. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2019.11308
Rogalska, M., & Hejducki, Z. (2007). Time buffers in construction process scheduling. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 13(2), 143–148. https://doi.org/10.1080/13923730.2007.9636430
Tang, Y. J., Liu, R. K., & Sun, Q. (2014). Two-stage scheduling model for resource leveling of linear projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 140(7), 04014022. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000862
Tang, Y. J., Sun, Q., Liu, R., & Wang, F. (2018a). Resource leveling based on line of balance and constraint programming. Computer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, 33(10), 864–884. https://doi.org/10.1111/mice.12383
Tang, Y. J., Liu, R. K., Wang, F., Sun, Q., & Kandil, A. A. (2018b). Scheduling optimization of linear schedule with constraint programming. Computer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, 33(2), 124–151. https://doi.org/10.1111/mice.12277
Tran, D. H., Chou, J. S., & Luong, D. L. (2019). Multi-objective symbiotic organisms optimization for making time-cost tradeoffs in repetitive project scheduling problem. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 25(4), 322–339. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2019.9681
Zhang, L., Tang, Y., & Qi, J. (2017). Resource leveling based on backward controlling activity in line of balance. Mathematical Problems in Engineering, Article ID 7545980. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/7545980
Zou, X., Zhang, L. H., & Zhang, Q. (2018). A biobjective optimization model for deadline satisfaction in line-of-balance scheduling with work interruptions consideration. Mathematical Problems in Engineering, Article ID 6534021. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/6534021
Zou, X., Wu, G., & Zhang, Q. (2021). Work continuity constraints in repetitive project scheduling considering soft logic. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 28(6), 1713–1738. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-11-2019-0595
Zou, X., Zhang, L., & Zhang, Q. (2022), Time-cost optimization in repetitive project scheduling with limited resources. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 29(2), 669–701. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-10-2020-0843
Altuwaim, A., & El-Rayes, K. (2018a). Minimizing duration and work interruptions of repetitive construction projects. Automation in Construction, 88, 59–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2017.12.024
Altuwaim, A., & El-Rayes, K. (2018b). Optimizing the scheduling of repetitive construction to minimize interruption cost. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 144(7), 04018051. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001510
Amini, S. M., & Heravi, G. (2009). Schedule compression for construction projects by interruption in LOB scheduling. AACE International Transactions, 4, 1–18.
Ammar, M. A. (2013). LOB and CPM integrated method for scheduling repetitive construction projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 139(1), 44–50. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000569
Ammar, M. A. (2020). Resource optimisation in line of balance scheduling. Construction Management and Economics, 38(8), 715–725. https://doi.org/10.1080/01446193.2019.1606924
Ammar, M. A. (2022). Optimization of line of balance scheduling considering work interruption. International Journal of Construction Management, 22(2), 305–316. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2019.1624003
Arabpour, R. M., & Moselhi, O. (2021). Optimized crew selection for scheduling of repetitive projects. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 28(6), 1517–1540. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-10-2019-0590
Arditi, D., Tokdemir, O. B., & Sun, K. (2001). Scheduling system for repetitive unit construction using line‐of‐balance technology. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 8(2), 90–103. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb021173
Bragadin, M. (2010, May). Heuristic repetitive activity scheduling process for networking techniques. In TG65 & W065-Special Track 18th CIB World Building Congress (pp. 331–342), Salford, United Kingdom.
Cheng, M. Y., Tran, D., & Hoang, N. D. (2017). Fuzzy clustering chaotic-based differential evolution for resource leveling in construction projects. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 23(1), 113–124. https://doi.org/10.3846/13923730.2014.982699
Cho, K., Hong, T., & Hyun, C. T. (2013). Space zoning concept-based scheduling model for repetitive construction process. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 19(3), 409–421. https://doi.org/10.3846/13923730.2012.757561
Damci, A., & Polat, G. (2014). Impacts of different objective functions on resource leveling in construction projects: A case study. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 20(4), 537–547. https://doi.org/10.3846/13923730.2013.801909
Damci, A., Arditi, D., & Polat, G. (2013a). Resource leveling in line-of-balance scheduling. Computer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, 28(9), 679–692. https://doi.org/10.1111/mice.12038
Damci, A., Arditi, D., & Polat, G. (2013b). Multiresource leveling in line-of-balance scheduling. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 139(9), 1108–1116. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000716
Damci, A., Arditi, D., & Polat, G. (2016). Impacts of different objective functions on resource leveling in line-of-balance scheduling. KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering, 20(1), 58–67. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-015-0578-7
Dolabi, H. R. Z., Afshar, A., & Abbasnia, R. (2014). CPM/LOB scheduling method for project deadline constraint satisfaction. Automation in Construction, 48, 107–118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2014.09.003
Eid, M., Elbeltagi, E., & El-Adaway, I. (2021). Simultaneous multicriteria optimization for scheduling linear infrastructure projects. International Journal of Construction Management, 21(1), 41–55. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2018.1505027
El-Rayes, K., & Moselhi, O. (2001). Optimizing resource utilization for repetitive construction projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 127(1), 18–27. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2001)127:1(18)
Georgy, M. E. (2008). Evolutionary resource scheduler for linear projects. Automation in Construction, 17(5), 573–583. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2007.10.005
Harmelink, D. J., & Rowings, J. E. (1998). Linear scheduling model: Development of controlling activity path. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 124(4), 263–268. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(1998)124:4(263)
Hassan, A., El-Rayes, K., & Attalla, M. (2021). Optimizing the scheduling of crew deployments in repetitive construction projects under uncertainty. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 28(6), 1615–1634. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-05-2020-0304
Hegazy, T., & Wassef, N. (2001). Cost optimization in projects with repetitive nonserial activities. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 127(3), 183–191. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2001)127:3(183)
Hegazy, T., Mostafa, K., & Ojulari, S. (2021). Tetris-inspired approach for generating tightly-packed repetitive schedules. Automation in Construction, 124, 103601. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103601
Hyari, K., & El-Rayes, K. (2006). Optimal planning and scheduling for repetitive construction projects. Journal of Management in Engineering, 22(1), 11–19. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0742-597X(2006)22:1(11)
Jaskowski, P., & Biruk, S. (2018). Reducing renewable resource demand fluctuation using soft precedence relations in project scheduling. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 24(4), 355–363. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2018.3043
Jaskowski, P., & Biruk, S. (2020). Scheduling of repetitive construction processes with concurrent work of similarly specialized crews. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 26(6), 579–589. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2020.12914
Liu, S. S., & Wang, C. J. (2007). Optimization model for resource assignment problems of linear construction projects. Automation in Construction, 16(4), 460–473. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2006.08.004
Long, L. D., & Ohsato, A. (2009). A genetic algorithm-based method for scheduling repetitive construction projects. Automation in Construction, 18(4), 499–511. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2008.11.005
Lucko, G. (2008). Productivity scheduling method compared to linear and repetitive construction project scheduling methods. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 134(9), 711–720. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2008)134:9(711)
Lucko, G. (2011). Integrating efficient resource optimization and linear schedule analysis with singularity functions. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 137(1), 45–55. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000244
Mattila, K. G., & Abraham, D. M. (1998). Resource leveling of linear schedules using integer linear programming. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 124(3), 232–244. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(1998)124:3(232)
Podolski, M. (2017). Management of resources in multiunit construction projects with the use of a tabu search algorithm. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 23(2), 263–272. https://doi.org/10.3846/13923730.2015.1073616
Podolski, M., & Sroka, B. (2019). Cost optimization of multiunit construction projects using linear programming and metaheuristic-based simulated annealing algorithm. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 25(8), 848–857. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2019.11308
Rogalska, M., & Hejducki, Z. (2007). Time buffers in construction process scheduling. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 13(2), 143–148. https://doi.org/10.1080/13923730.2007.9636430
Tang, Y. J., Liu, R. K., & Sun, Q. (2014). Two-stage scheduling model for resource leveling of linear projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 140(7), 04014022. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000862
Tang, Y. J., Sun, Q., Liu, R., & Wang, F. (2018a). Resource leveling based on line of balance and constraint programming. Computer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, 33(10), 864–884. https://doi.org/10.1111/mice.12383
Tang, Y. J., Liu, R. K., Wang, F., Sun, Q., & Kandil, A. A. (2018b). Scheduling optimization of linear schedule with constraint programming. Computer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, 33(2), 124–151. https://doi.org/10.1111/mice.12277
Tran, D. H., Chou, J. S., & Luong, D. L. (2019). Multi-objective symbiotic organisms optimization for making time-cost tradeoffs in repetitive project scheduling problem. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 25(4), 322–339. https://doi.org/10.3846/jcem.2019.9681
Zhang, L., Tang, Y., & Qi, J. (2017). Resource leveling based on backward controlling activity in line of balance. Mathematical Problems in Engineering, Article ID 7545980. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/7545980
Zou, X., Zhang, L. H., & Zhang, Q. (2018). A biobjective optimization model for deadline satisfaction in line-of-balance scheduling with work interruptions consideration. Mathematical Problems in Engineering, Article ID 6534021. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/6534021
Zou, X., Wu, G., & Zhang, Q. (2021). Work continuity constraints in repetitive project scheduling considering soft logic. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 28(6), 1713–1738. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-11-2019-0595
Zou, X., Zhang, L., & Zhang, Q. (2022), Time-cost optimization in repetitive project scheduling with limited resources. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 29(2), 669–701. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-10-2020-0843