André Mund

IntelliCranes: an integrated crane type and model selection system

The importance of the utilization of cranes in construction operations has resulted in the development of structured methods for crane selection. Most of these methods are for crane model selection and require the user to stipulate the type of crane to be used for the construction operation under consideration. Availability of a structured method for crane type selection will greatly benefit the overall crane selection process. This paper describes a prototype integrated crane selection tool, called IntelliCranes, designed to assist in both crane type and crane model selection. The key feature of IntelliCranes is the systematic incorporation of subjective and qualitative criteria in crane type and model selection.

CEPM 3: process mapping of residential foundation slab construction processes

With the purpose of mapping residential foundation slab construction processes, the authors collected the necessary process mapping information. After the completion of the process mapping for several common residential foundation slab construction processes, the team then used the process maps to identify potential process improvements and documented these in new, revised process maps. The residential foundation slab construction process mapping effort coupled with process simulation demonstrated the existence of opportunities for residential foundation slab construction process improvements. This has motivated the homebuilder partners to further pursue the issue by developing a residential foundation slab construction process to a stage where several prototype foundation slabs can be built. This report provides information on all steps accomplished and all issues involving the process mapping effort.

Petri Net-based scheduling of construction projects

Scheduling of construction projects is an important planning function that provides a clear picture of the construction activities, construction sequence, and construction resources to the agencies involved in construction. In this paper a Petri Net-based scheduling method that is geared towards resource-based scheduling of construction projects is described. Petri Nets are graphical and mathematical modeling tools that can be used to perform static and dynamic analysis of systems. Under the proposed technique Generalized Stochastic Petri Net (GSPN) modeling elements are used to develop a construction schedule. Resources required to accomplish construction work tasks are explicitly identified and allocated to the corresponding work tasks. In addition the technique provides hierarchical features that allow top–down breakdown of a construction project and modular features to schedule repetitive units. The paper summarizes the steps required to perform scheduling of construction projects using the proposed technique and highlights its advantages. The scheduling of a sample bridge project also highlights the significant benefits of the method.

Hierarchical and modular modeling of structural steel erection process using Petri Nets

Abstract The construction industry is growing at a fast pace-newer project delivery methodo logies are being adopted; design of facilities is continuously improving, newer means, methods, and materials of construction are being used. All these market forces have re sulted in an increase in complexity of on-site construction processes. The construction industry needs advanced tools and techniques to plan and manage these complex con struction processes. This paper describes and utilizes a Petri Net based hierarchical and modular modeling and analysis technique for the planning of complex construction pro cesses. Petri Nets are graphical modeling tools that have been utilized in the modeling and analysis of processes in the fields of software engineering, telecommunications, manufac turing, and construction. This paper highlights advanced features of Petri Nets and their utilization in the modeling and analysis of structural steel erection processes. Through the use of hierarchy, modularity, and resource mo...