Late-time computation for task chains using discrete-event simulation

This paper introduces an algorithm that uses the Cyclic Operation Network Technique (CYCLONE), a discrete-event simulation method oriented to construction applications, to compute task late-time and float information. The deferment of tasks within acceptable limits can aid in achieving important planning objectives. Computing this information, however, has been confined almost exclusively to the critical-path method, despite the limitations of this technique to model repetitive task chains. The algorithm introduced here backtracks the event list resulting from the standard simulation scheduling algorithm, and provides allowable delays for a given resource utilization pattern. To ensure the proper sequencing of the back-tracking procedure, a standardized model development for CYCLONE is required. The technique introduced is appropriate for deterministic and statistically distributed duration estimates. An applicable example is developed throughout the paper to illustrate the procedure.