Planning road construction using simulation

It appears that as in manufacturing, intense competition may compel the construction industry to seek new tools to improve planning and control of construction processes. Enormous benefits have come from applying 'discrete event simulation' within the manufacturing industry, often using a process based simulation methodology. In stark contrast, there exist only a few documented applications of simulation in the construction industry. Of these applications the majority have been developed using CYCLONE, or one of its derivatives, which are based upon activity cycle diagrams. The purpose of this research paper is to investigate how simulation can be used as a planning and decision support tool within road construction. The suitability of Activity Cycle and Process Based simulation methodologies for solving road construction planning problems will be examined. The advantages of using process based simulation are highlighted. Experiments are performed with the results documented emphasising the potential benefits of applying simulation in this area.