Simulation in concreting operations: A comparison of models and resource combinations

Computer simulation in construction planning has been the subject of research for the last few decades. The present paper describes simulation models geared toward improving the productivity of concreting operations. It is primarily concerned with a study of the sensitivity of concreting operations to a set of possible resource combinations. Thirteen models are examined by the two well-known methods of concreting: (1) crane and bucket; and (2) the pump. Concreting into slabs, beams and columns are considered. The simulation software Micro-CYCLONE is used for the actual generation of models. Sensitivity parameters considered in resource combinations include the number of truck-mixers, buckets and labourers in concrete placing crews. The simulation models developed are compared and the results are discussed. The results enable planners to realize how the resource quantities and capacities in one cycle affect the ones in another period for cyclic operations like concreting. It can be concluded that the maximum number of resources, the interaction of work crews caused by work space limitations and the interaction of equipment because of sharing with other activities of the project may bring limitations.