An integrated modeling methodology for project-site management

(From Introduction) Thesis Objective: The objective of this thesis is to provide, at the project manager level, a methodology for describing and solving site management problems associated with physical resources. The proposed methodology addresses the following concepts: 1. The materials consumption associated with a planned project construction schedule can be established and arranged in such a way as to provide a more economical delivery pattern to the construction site. 2. An integrated modeling concept methodology by which the description of project site management can be accomplished, and which considers the following features. a. A consideration of the flow of materials among storage and working places on the site, and a consideration of the men and equipment allocated to ensure the material flow; b. The complementary but sometimes conflicting allocation problems that arise when materials handling flows must be manned at the same time as the working of activities. This is especially a problem when a limited labor pool constraint exists and/or when the use of a common piece of equipment is required; c. The influence of materials inventory and materials delivery pattern associated with planned project CPM schedule is also incorporated within the modeling concepts; d. A methodology is described by which the integration of different resource flows and constraint models can be accomplished. Depending upon the characteristics of a given problem, various modeling segments can be identified and integrated into a decision model for the problem. A schematic presentation of the thesis area is given in figure 7.1. 6 The methodology is also oriented to focus on model development for different decision time spans. On a day-by-day basis specific detailed allocations of labor may be required to working activities and materials handling and may consider materials storage availability, etc. On a weekly basis, however, less detail is required on labor allocation if a material delivery and inventory policy is desired. The thesis work does not attempt to study other project site management problems involving finance, accounting, labor relationships, legal issues, etc., but focuses only on the management of physical resources. This work is oriented to the management of repetitive construction processes such as housing and high buildings. The concepts developed within this research may be applicable to other areas within the construction industry, but attention needs to be first focussed on the structure and environment surrounding these areas in order to insure proper and feasible applications. It is not the purpose of this research to develop exact field data in any sense, even though use is made of field data obtained from construction sites in Monterrey, Mexico. The models are tested for consistency and general validity by using standard available computer programs. This research is not addressed toward the generation of better or more effective and efficient solutions and computer algorithms.