An optimization based model for maximizing benefits of fast-track construction projects.

Abstract

Concurrent engineering (CE) is the process of completing tasks in parallel, in order to reduce project durations. This overlapping of traditionally sequential activities is becoming a requirement for fast-tracking complex construction projects. The nature of the information exchange, also known as the dependency between activities, determines the level to which two dependent activities may be overlapped. Fast-track construction projects have become more popular in recent years in response to growing industry demand. By allowing downstream construction activities to start with incomplete information from upstream design activities, fast-tracking (through overlapping) allows shortening the project duration at the expense of an increased likelihood of rework. This leaves practitioners with the challenge of determining the optimal fast-tracking strategy, which meets project schedule requirements, and does not cause excessive amounts of rework. This thesis presents an optimization based model, which serves as a decision support tool in scheduling fast-track construction activities. The model takes into consideration information exchange between upstream and downstream activities using the concepts of activity sensitivity and evolution in order to maximize the net benefit of fast-tracking. The model is illustrated on an ongoing construction project, which was analyzed under various overlapping scenarios. The results indicate substantial time savings depending on the speed of evolution and sensitivity.