Simulation analysis of productivity variation by global positioning system (GPS) implementation in earthmoving operations

Abstract

The global positioning system (GPS) is being applied in the construction industry as a practical tool for higher productivity. The aim of this study is to estimate the productivity improvement from GPS implementation in earthmoving operations using construction simulation. The results show that the GPS-based system can increase productivity by 21.74% and cost savings by 12.92% over the conventional system in a project with a short haul distance and can increase productivity by 5.67% and cost savings by 4.79% in a project with a long haul distance. It was noted that the bulldozer and truck are critical resources for productivity in each project and that the greater the number of work activities in a project, the lower the improvement in productivity as a result of using a specific technology applied to a limited number of pieces of equipment, due to the existence of many varied factors. This study is intended to help construction planners set up optimized GPS-based earthmoving operations.Key words: earthmoving, global positioning system, simulation, productivity.

Effects of Half-Precast Concrete Slab System on Construction Productivity

“…Furthermore, CYCLONE is a discrete-event simulation method that focuses on construction work tasks, and thus, this method is widely applied to model repetitive construction work. In addition, CYCLONE is utilized as a management tool to analyze construction productivity based on the logical connections between work tasks, duration, and resources, and thus, CYCLONE can be used to determine the influence of specific work tasks on the overall construction productivity in conjunction with variations in duration and resources assigned to each work task [16,17]. More information on CYCLONE including modeling elements can be found in the study by Halpin and Riggs [15].…”

Activity-Based Data Fusion for Automated Progress Tracking of Construction Projects

“…The use of conventional and GPSbased systems for earth moving operations has also been compared and an increase of 22 % in productivity and cost savings of 13 % were found with the GPS-based system (Han, Lee, Hong, & Chang, 2006). GPS systems have also been investigated with respect to their use in construction in conjunction with other technologies, such as 3D laser scanning and RFID tags (Song, Haas, & Caldas, 2007).…”

Productivity Analysis Comparison of Different Types of Earthmoving Operations by Means of Various Productivity Measurements

“…E a r t h m o v i n g , a f u n d a m e n t a l o p e r a t i o n i n construction, is divided into two types of systems; the conventional and the GPS-based systems as GPS technology was applied to construction over a decade ago (Han et al 2006;.…”