Simulation-Based Multiagent Approach for Scheduling Modular Construction

Abstract

Modular construction is a common practice for building industrial plants, particularly in the oil sands region of Alberta, Canada. Each module is a project with its own activities and constraints. These modules are prefabricated offsite, at a location called the module assembly yard, and then shipped to the site. Effective scheduling of modules of an industrial plant involves developing a realistic schedule that makes best use of limited resources in the yard while satisfying the constraints and uncertainties of the entire project. Scheduling such large-scale, multiunit projects using commercial CPM-based scheduling applications (e.g., Primavera, Microsoft Project) is not effective. In previous work, we have introduced a hybrid framework, called simulation-based auction protocol (SBAP), for effective resource scheduling in large-scale projects. The present study employs the SBAP framework for effective allocation of resources (e.g., space, skilled crew) and for satisfaction of various constraints. This system pulls data from a comprehensive database, runs the simulation model behind the scenes, and generates various graphical reports to aid superintendents and project managers in pertinent project decisions. The developed system is also capable of scheduling the fast-track modular construction projects with limited data available, doing effective resource leveling, and scheduling resources (e.g., space, crew) effectively based on various shifts and calendars. The described case study in this paper demonstrates the capabilities of the developed system for planning the module assembly yards.

Integration of Offsite and Onsite Schedules in Modular Construction

“…Hegazy et al [13] extended this approach by introducing BAL system that enhances LSM presentation and eliminates overlapping of activities as shown in Figure 3. Several studies utilized simulation to schedule offsite construction processes [14], [15], [16], [17], and [18]. Other researchers [19], [20], and [21] integrated simulation with building information modeling (BIM) to automate quantity take-off data and to visualize modular and offsite construction activities.…”

Alternative Scheduling and Planning Processes for Hybrid Offsite Construction

“…Lack of tools that allows for modeling of uncertainty associated with linear scheduling led researches to develop simulation based methods for off-site construction [5], [27], and [28]. Other studies [6] and [7] integrate the Building Information Modelling (BIM) with simulation to facilitate the quantity take-off data for construction project scheduling.…”

Resource-loaded piping spool fabrication scheduling: material-supply-driven optimization

“…Prefabrication generally takes place at a specified facility (e.g., fabrication shop), where various materials are conjoined as per the engineering design in order to form a component part of a larger item. Any component that is fabricated off-site and is not a complete system in function can be considered to be pre-fabricated (Taghaddos et al 2012).…”

“…The industrial modular construction is one special type of construction methods commonly adopted in Northern Alberta for oil and gas projects (Taghaddos et al 2012).…”

“…These pipe spools are then transported to module yard for assembling or directly to site for installation. In the process, large-scale of complex engineered components, manufacturing offsite prefabrication and preassembly processes are entailed (Taghaddos et al 2012). For this reason, the timely delivery of raw materials and offsite pre-fabricated components is crucial to the success of industrial modular construction projects.…”