Improving construction material and equipment logistics via simulation

Abstract

The present project demonstrates a way to improve construction processes, with improvement understood in terms of increased productivity.  To achieve this objective, the research presented here relies on discrete event simulation models to analyze transportation logistics, as well as distribution and storage of structure- and foundation-related materials  for  two  reinforced-concrete  buildings  in  Bogota,  Colombia.    Analysis  of  the  case  study  can  be  divided  into three phases.  In the first, construction processes were characterized, and a field study was conducted via data collection and video/photo recordings.  In the second, simulation models were created for the real scenario, with deficiencies and opportunities for model improvement diagnosed and different theoretical scenarios proposed.  In the  third  and  final  phase,  these  theoretical  scenarios  were  compared  using  models  to  determine  their  strengths or  weaknesses  versus  the  real  construction  scenario.    Based  on  the  comparative  study  carried  out,  discrete  event  simulation allowed for the integration and behavioral observation of all variables affecting the construction process.  As a result, deficiencies became conspicuous; in turn, improvements were readily identified in order to establish the best scenario from a cost-benefit perspective.