Abstract
Proper planning and control of activities on a construction project is central to successful performance. However the planning function is cumbersome due to the inherent features of construction operations such as high repetitiveness, complexity and uniqueness. Also the more modern the construction methods used, the more tedious planning becomes requiring deeper project analysis.
Bridge construction projects are more challenging among construction projects from the perspective of planning and management, especially with process automation in bridge construction works. For example, incremental launching is an automation recently employed in many bridge projects that increases the level of planning/ management issues. The dilemma that bridge construction projects face today is that schedulers accomplish the planning of a bridge project based on their experiences since construction methods are often new and there is no specific WBS/conceptual framework yet.
The aim of the current study is to facilitate bridge construction projects planning and management by introducing a new technological-based tool (simulation). The paper describes the process followed in the development of a conceptual framework/ WBS which accounts for the interaction between the variety of resources involved on a case study (bridge) project where the incremental launching method is used. An Activity Cycle Diagram is produced alongside conceptual framework and process models with the intent of illustrating the key steps in the simulation modelling procedure. The developed models can eventually assist in scheduling and controlling inherent features; uncertainties, complexities, and repetitions in bridge construction projects, consequently improving their delivery. The study shows the potential application of the simulation-based tool called EZStrobe.
