Browsing by Author "Rens, Johannes Petrus"
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- ItemAn interactive construction deployment planning model for the SKA project(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2015-12) Rens, Johannes Petrus; Wium, J. A.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept of Civil Engineering.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is a global project to build the world’s largest telescope that stretches over at least 3000 km. There is a number of factors that need to be considered during the planning of the construction deployment of the SKA antenna foundation infrastructure on a site as enormous as SKA. This study presents (1) a review on alternative approaches to increase the construction operational and resource efficiency by means of an optimization planning model; and (2) the development of a construction deployment planning tool which can be used by a construction manager during the site layout planning and the scheduling of repetitive activities. The developed prototype decision support software is designed as an interactive management system that provides a graphical user interface and 2D visual communication. This approach allows for human judgement and the experience of an expert to be captured during the site layout planning and scheduling of the repetitive construction activities. The construction deployment planning model describes the integration of a simulation-based site layout planning (SLP) model and a repetitive project scheduling (RPS) model. The simulation-based SLP model facilitates the manual optimization of the site layout. The optimization procedure is performed with a series of “what if” analyses during the layout of temporary construction facilities in order to minimize site transportation cost/time, site establishment cost and to improve the efficiency of material handling on site. The model makes use of unique concepts to connect material sources (temporary facilities) and demand destination on site in a continuous 2D space. It is these connections that determine the dynamic flow of resources between temporary construction facilities and demand destination. The RPS model facilitating the manual optimization of multiple objectives (1) minimizes the project duration; (2) maximizes resource utilization; while (3) maintaining a feasible labour cost. The RPS model automatically generates a project schedule by utilizing a flexible algorithm for resource-driven scheduling. The algorithm identifies the scheduled starting and finishing times for each activity in the repetitive units. The algorithm allows for: (1) multiple activity crew assignment to perform work simultaneously; and (2) the assignment of a specific crew work interruption time. The model uses unique concepts to facilitate integration of site layout planning, material supply and project scheduling. These concepts allow for automatic scheduling of the activities at any number of repetitive units and integrating the activity information at a repetitive unit with the material supply information (i.e. concrete, steel, shutters etc.) at the demand destination. Accordingly, the impact of a site layout on the project schedule can be shown.