Construction process simulation in bridge building based on significant day-to-day data

Abstract

Everyday life on bridge construction sites is commonly characterized by enormous pressure due to time and costs as well as difficult logistic requirements. Modern process simulation tools can be applied with increasing success. Projects are often affected by unscheduled constraints and limitations, that give reason to deviate from the formerly optimized plan, and to find ad-hoc solutions, especially in the erection phase. In order to meet these requirements, simulation tools in the erection phase with a more specific database are needed. An approach based on accurate day-to-day data for the current project state at any time is needed. These data then facilitate the simulation of possible variations for ongoing optimization. At first, it is necessary to determine, which choice of data is significant and actually needed for evaluating the day-to-day status in bridge construction progress. Secondly, the required data must be captured as efficiently as possible during the ongoing working activities.

Simulation of Bridge Construction Works: An Exploratory Study

“…In bridge construction projects (BCP), the planning and analysis function is even more complex, because such projects are associated with uncertainties arising from their construction sequence, as well as associated constraints, resourcing issues, and structural adequacies (Chan & Lu 2012). Hohmann (1997) (as cited in Ailland et al 2010) contends that factors such as changing boundary conditions, project time and costs pressures, difficult logistic requirements, and the probability of unexpected incidents are common to non-stationary construction processes like bridge works. Therefore, planners would need to employ scheduling techniques that could give more effiicient control and guidance on the use of resources.…”

“…Therefore, planners would need to employ scheduling techniques that could give more effiicient control and guidance on the use of resources. Ailland et al (2010) conclude that planning methods that feature adequate adaptability, support the description of parallel processes, and take into account unexpected incidents and stochastic and fuzzy parameters are therefore to be encouraged for non-stationary construction projects.…”

Simulation of mobile falsework utilization methods in bridge construction

“…Such processes provide a great opportunity for performing comprehensive analysis using techniques such as simulation for purposes of productivity improvement (AbouRizk 2010). Examples of past studies that have applied simulation within the bridge construction domain include work done by Ailland et al (2010), AbouRizk and Dozzi (1993), Huang et al (1994), Chan and Lu (2005) and Marzouk et al (2008). In their work, AbouRizk and Dozzi (1993) used CYCLONE to facilitate dispute resolution in bridge jacking operations.…”