Challenges in Line-of-Balance Scheduling

Arditi, David; Tokdemir, Onur Behzat; Suh, Kangsuk

doi:10.1061/(asce)0733-9364(2002)128:6(545)

Cited by 119 publications

(99 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…As discussed in linear scheduling methods, the location and time buffers (time floats) were defined and used in indicating how close activities can become while being conducted [13,21]. The rate float, representing the amount that the production rate of a non-controlling linear activity can be lowered before the activity will become a controlling segment, is used to evaluate the impact of a delay on the project completion [22].…”

Section: Floats In Linear Schedulingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reviewing Construction Schedule Float Management

Yang¹

2017

TOBCTJ

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Abstract:As the complexity in construction projects increased, simply managing the obtained float values and critical path(s) by the CPM method usually results in more difficult schedule control and, consequently, in incorrect decision making due to non-realistic float values. This study thoroughly reviewed various float types in the literature and professional project management systems, and discussed five managerial essentials and three proactive strategies on mitigating challenging float-related problems based on the perspective of managing schedules by controlling floats. With some comments and suggestions, the outcomes of this study not only improve the knowledge level on schedule management but also provide a better understanding of float management to improve the quality of schedule management.

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Section: Floats In Linear Schedulingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reviewing Construction Schedule Float Management

Yang¹

2017

TOBCTJ

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“…Together these two lines "describe the outer limits in time of our unit network which is repeating itself opposite each increment of the Line-of-Balance Quantity scale" (Lumsden, 1968, p. 15). Researchers thus implicitly used AOA when creating their networks for LOB quantity charts (Arditi et al, 2002;Hegazy, 2001). Figures 1c and 2c show how changing the crew rate in the example from two crews to one crew results in modified progress slopes and a different pattern, which does not overlap anymore, but inserts interruptions into the progress.…”

Section: Activity Representationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparison and Renaissance of Classic Line-of-Balance and Linear Schedule Concepts for Construction Industry

Lucko

2015

OTMCJ

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Line-of-Balance (LOB) is a useful analytical tool for repetitive activities in construction projects, which allows showing which crew is assigned to what repetitive work unit of an activity. LOB is closely related to the linear scheduling method, but possesses some challenges: It must be clarified how it counts, as previous studies displayed an apparent measurement gap at the origin, implicitly representing that LOB starts at the first unit finish. Slopes in linear scheduling and LOB are different, even though both portray a measure of progress of an activity. This paper therefore tracks evolution and current use of LOB versus linear schedules. Its contribution to the body of knowledge is threefold: First, based on a literature review, LOB is found to be rooted in Activity-on-Arrow (AOA) diagrams, which makes it event-centered, not progresscentered. Differences in representing the start and productivity between LOB and linear scheduling are reviewed and explained both mathematically and graphically. Second, different LOB concepts are extracted and assessed to facilitate comparing LOB from its original use in manufacturing against the limited application of its objective chart in the construction industry. Third, a mathematical formulation based on singularity functions is developed, which can model staggering, continuity, and interruptability scenarios. Fourth, the repetitive nature of LOB and LSM enables resource-specific equations that model the level of detail of individual crews performing individual tasks.

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“…Clearly each of the acceleration strategies stated above comes with associated costs. Examples of these associated costs are increased direct costs as in labor wages and equipment running costs, and indirect costs in the form of increased supervision and loss of productivity due to congestion in case of increased crews size 1 . On the other hand, as projects' total duration decreases, indirect costs also decrease.…”

Section: Accelerating Strategiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Optimized Acceleration of Repetitive Construction Projects

Bakry¹,

Zayed²,

Moselhi³

2012

Proceedings of the International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (IAARC)

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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present an improved algorithm for optimized acceleration of repetitive construction projects. Method Through a set of iterative steps this algorithm identifies the least costly method that would put a project back on track, while maintaining crew work continuity. The algorithm divides each activity into segments and identifies the segments that would shorten project duration if accelerated. For these identified segments, the ones with the lowest cost slope are selected and cued for acceleration. Through the proposed segmentation of activities this algorithm provides better focusing of allocated additional resources, thus resulting in more cost-efficient acceleration plans. The algorithm is implemented in a spreadsheet application, which helps automate calculations, yet allows users to fine-tune the algorithm to fit the project conditions at hand. The algorithm allows users to select among different acceleration strategies such as working overtime, working double shifts, working weekends, employing more productive crews, work stoppage for converging activities and intentional work breaks. Results & Discussion The developed algorithm is applied to a case study drawn from literature in order to illustrate its basic features and demonstrate its accuracy. The results obtained, when compared to those reported for the case considered, demonstrate the ability to accelerate this project in while utilising fewer resources.

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Challenges in Line-of-Balance Scheduling

Cited by 119 publications

References 9 publications

Reviewing Construction Schedule Float Management

Reviewing Construction Schedule Float Management

Comparison and Renaissance of Classic Line-of-Balance and Linear Schedule Concepts for Construction Industry

Optimized Acceleration of Repetitive Construction Projects

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