Development of a software tool to study and simulate organisation and production on building sites

Abstract

Our proposal aims to establish an information system to be a decision support system for engineers in building construction. The management of building sites is a permanent challenge because of a wide range of different activities required to build the project. In order to improve productivity on construction sites, it is necessary to use the right material and human resources in the right place and time. This is to create a balance, day by day, to efficient use of formworks, cranes and workers. Prototype "Building Site (BS)" comprises: a central system and six subsystems. It has a number of calculating models, and a data management system which includes different databases. All subsystems are used to simulate and study organisation and production on building sites. These subsystems are connected with each other and with the central system. The central system is used to manage and control the subsystems. Three of these subsystems allow engineers to generate some possible solutions for constructive modes or equipment choices and to evaluate their performances. They help the user to make a decision that should help to perform the best productivity. The other three subsystems, which are based on Genetic Algorithms, are used for optimizing the location of tower crane, generating the planning, defining the repetitive cycle of main works and generating the supply chain management in the building construction, especially for great projects. This work is currently under development.