Sep. 2014, Volume 8, No. 9 (Serial No. 82), pp.
1145-1150
Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture, ISSN 1934-7359, USA
DAVID
PUBLISHING
Optimization of Resource in the Industry of Construction
Francisco Javier Gutierrez Garcia, Pedro Prez Daz and Pedro Sanchez Luis
Department of Construction Engineering, University of La Laguna, Tenerife 38204, Spain
Abstract: Time and cost are two of the most important factors to consider in each construction project. In order to maximize
performance, both the client and the contractor will work to optimize both the duration of the project and its cost. We show a model of
linear entire mixed programming to solve the considered problem. The aim is to minimize the project total time, by means of the
assignment of equipments of work to the different production lines of the activities to realizing. The fundamental beginning is to
support the same production (rate of production in meters/day of the activity in view of the equipment of work) for the different
equipments to achieve the maximum efficiency in each period of time. With the limited availability of resources, the work must be
continuous and the period of time between operations and final must be kept. However, this paper also presents the bibliographical
study on methodologies of the optimization of construction processes in response to the two objectives: time and cost. This will
consider the use of meta-heuristic techniques, such as population based algorithms.
Key words: Optimization, construction process, heuristics, mathematical programming.
1. Introduction
The economic crisis that everybody is going through
in Spain has targeted all sectors of industry, the
construction industry being one of the most affected
ones.
The fact that the construction industry is sensitive to
the adverse financial conditions present in Spain, the
limited financial resources and high competition in the
market makes it necessary to perform project planning
and control of works.
For years, builders have been limited to relying on
experience and intuition, without regard to optimum
needs of the resources used in the construction process.
In small projects, the planning of resources can be
developed by experience, but in large projects in which
investments and, therefore, the risks are much higher,
planning involves the optimization of processes that
arise in the construction industry.
The principal aim of this paper is to make a
bibliographical study on the methodologies raised in
the associated document to support the planners and
administrators in the capture of better decisions about
Corresponding author: Francisco Javier Gutierrez Garcia,
engineer, research fields: physical and engineering. E-mail:
[email protected].
time-cost in an efficient way.
Indexing the type of problems that we can meet, we
have two types of problems of optimization: first, we
find mono-objective problems of optimization, in
which the development takes us to the optimization of
the resources to reach the minimal cost of the project or
the minimal term of execution in an independent way.
In this type of work, it is not that the term of execution
or the cost of the project is ignored, but depending on
the variable in study the other one is taken as a constant.
These types of problems are removed since, in most
cases, the reduction of the term of execution takes into
account an increase of the cost or, on the contrary, a
reduction of the cost. Normally, it supposes an increase
of the term of execution of any project. For this reason,
the type of problems we really face are those in which a
formulation is in use one multi-target, since the cost of
a project and the term of execution are closely
associated.
The second one of the principal aims of this work is to
explore the analysis of the information corresponding
to a practical case that one finds nowadays in the south
of Tenerife, where only time studies are made.
Another contribution of this work is the
mathematical formulation by means of a model of
Optimization of Resource in the Industry of Construction
1146
linear entire mixed programming to solve the problem.
The comparative study is made from the time of
execution of the work to the time provided by the
mathematical formulation.
way of publication of the paper or article;
mathematical proposed model on the paper or
article (genetic algorithm, colony of ants and swarm of
particles);
2. Methodology
type or aim of the work indexed on paper or article
is reduction of project cost, reduced development time
2.1 Bibliographical Review
We show a bibliographical review of problems of
optimization developed recently, mono-objective
(Table 1) [1-7] and multi-objective (Table 2) [8-15].
These tables are arranged in six columns. In the first
column, it shows the title of paper accessed, in the
second, it shows the name of authors, the third shows
the year of publishing, in the fourth column, it appears
medium publishing and, finally, the fifth and sixth
columns show the methodology and aim studied in the
paper.
2.2 Classification of Problems
As shown in Tables 1 and 2, the classification of
problems are as following:
title of the paper or article;
author(s) of the paper or article;
Table 1
year of publication of the paper or article;
or reduction both, project cost and development time of
the project.
2.3 Selection of Article of Reference
Resource-constrained
continuous
repetitive
scheduling
projects
is
for
the
with steels-based
production units [16]. They show the complexity of the
optimization with limited resources on fully linear
works. This optimization is done regardless, at any
time, the cost of funds and, therefore, the project cost.
2.4 Comparison of the Real Time and the Optimized
One
We proposed a model of linear programming, with
which we achieve a substantial reduction of project
time and the project cost.
Mono-objective references.
Title
Genetic algorithms for optimization
of resource allocation in large scale
construction project [1]
Optimizing construction planning
schedules by virtual prototyping
enabled resource analysis[2]
Author (s)
Year of
Medium publishing Methodology
publishing
Jianwen Huang, Xingxia
Wang, Rui Chen
2010
Heng Li, Neo Chan, H.L. Guo,
Weisheng Lu, Martin
2009
Skitmore
Simulation and optimization for
Chachrist Srisuwanrat, Focio
construction repetitive projects using
2008
G. Ioannou, Omer Tsimhoni
promodel and simrunner [3]
Research on the unlimited resource
leveling optimization with PSO [4]
Construction project scheduling
problem with uncertain resource
constraints [5]
Genetic algorithms in resource
optimization of construction project
[6]
Resource leveling in construction by
genetic algorithm-based
optimization and its decision support
system application [7]
Zhiyong Chen, Zhida Du, Hua
2007
Zhou
Aim
Journal of
Computers
Genetic
algorithms
Minimize
project time
QUT Digital
Repository
Genetic
algorithms
Minimize
project time
Determinist
method
Minimize
project time
Particle swarm
Minimize
project time
Simple
algorithms
Minimize
project time
WSC (Winter
Simulation
Conference)
Phoenix, USA
China Civil
Engineering Journal
Chinese Journal of
Engineering
Mathematics
Julin He, Zhong-Ping Wan,
Tang Guochun
2005
Zhang Lian-ying, Luo Gang,
Li Ning Lu
2001
Journal of Tianjin
University
Genetic
algorithms
Minimize
project time
Sou-Sen Leu, Chung-Huei
Yang, Jiun-Ching Huang
2000
Journal of
Automation in
Construction
Genetic
algorithms
Minimize
project time
Optimization of Resource in the Industry of Construction
1147
Table 2 Multi-objective references.
Title
Integrating efficient resource
optimization and linear schedule
analysis with singularity functions [8]
Optimization research: Enhancing the
robustness of large-scale
multi-objective optimization in
construction [9]
Author(s)
Lucko Gunnar
Kandil Amr,
El-Rayes Khaled,
El-Anwar Omar
Optimization study on resource
Qingfu Li, Jixian
equilibrium with fixed time limit for a
Guo, Mingxing Yi
project based on SPSO algorithm [10]
Year of
Medium publishing
publishing
Journal of Construction
2011
Engineering and
Management
2010
2008
Multiple resource constraint
Habib Fathi, Abbas
time-cost-resource optimization using
2008
Afshar
genetic algorithm [11]
Journal of Construction
Engineering and
Management
International Symposium on
Intelligent Information
Technology Application
Workshops
Washington, DC, USA
First International
Conference on Construction
in Developing Countries
(ICCIDCI)Pakistan
Methodology Aim
Genetic
algorithms
Minimize time
and project
cost
Genetic
algorithms
Minimize time
and project
cost
Genetic
algorithms
Minimize time
and project
cost
Genetic
algorithms
Minimize time
and project
cost
Multi-objective optimization for
large-scale highway construction
projects [12]
Amr A. Kandil
2006
ProQuest, Dissertations &
Theses
Genetic
algorithms
A hybrid mechanism for optimizing
construction simulation models [13]
Taoming Cheng,
Chungwei Feng,
Yanliang Chen
2005
Journal of Automation in
Construction
Genetic
algorithms
Development and application of a
O.O. Ugwu, J.H.M.
hybrid genetic algorithm for resource
2002
Tah
optimization and management [14]
Engineering Construction
and Architectural
Management
WILEY (online library)
Genetic
algorithms
Minimize time
and project
cost
Optimizing resource utilization for
repetitive construction projects [15]
Journal of Management in
Engineering (ASCE)
Genetic
algorithms
Minimize time
and project
cost
Khaled El-Rayes,
Osama Moselhi
2001
3. Problem of Reference
The mathematical model is proposed by the
teachers/aces [16].
It includes the following restrictions:
Limited availability of multiple resources;
The work must be constant and must not have
dead times;
The delivery time between operations and end
must be kept.
4. Case Study
IDAM (installation of desalination seawater) of
Granadilla de Abona is developed by the Consortium
Ferrovial-Agromn Corporation and Cadagua.
4.1 Activities
Activity A: ML (linear meter) of placement of
prefabricated girder, cover water tanks running with
Minimize time
and project
cost
Minimize time
and project
cost
precast concrete prestressed material.
Activity B: ML of placement of alveolar plate.
4.2 Available Resources and Combinations
We show the available resources and combinations
in Table 3.
4.3 Choice
In Table 4, we show our selection between different
combinations.
In this table, it showed: activity, sub-activity and our
selection as a function of available resources and daily
production combining different choices.
The symbol A in table 3 (A) reference is coefficient
relating on linear meters and square meters and the
value is 4 per linear meter have 4 square meters.
4.4 Plans of Work
In Table 5, we show 13 different plans works what
Optimization of Resource in the Industry of Construction
1148
Table 3
Available resources and combinations.
Activity
Sub-activity
Table 4
Available resources
Production
Autoderrick crane (ud)
Lift (ud)
Workers (ud)
Ml (linear meters)
2.00
2.00
6.00
Day ud
A1
1.00
2.00
3.00
95.85 days
A2
1.00
2.00
2.00
43.20
A3
2.00
2.00
3.00
95.85
A4
1.00
2.00
6.00
95.85
A5
2.00
2.00
2.00
43.20A
B1
1.00
2.00
3.00
48.62A
B2
1.00
0.00
3.00
48.62A
B3
1.00
1.00
2.00
27.13A
B4
2.00
0.00
6.00
95.85A
B5
2.00
0.00
5.00
75.76A
B6
2.00
2.00
5.00
75.76A
Choice.
Available resources
Available resources
Available resources
Production
Crane
Lift
Workers
ML/day
2.00
2.00
6.00
A
A1
1.00
2.00
3.00
95.85
B
B4
2.00
0.00
6.00
95.85A
Total activity A = 1,349.68 ML placement of prefabricated girder; Total activity B = 1,349.68A ML placement of alveolar plate.
Activity
Sub-activity
Table 5
Plans of work.
Number plan
Index of production
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
194.48A
194.48A
194.48A
194.48A
194.48A
194.48A
194.48A
8.13A
200.93A
200.93A
200.93A
200.93A
200.93A
200.93A
163.95A
205.61A
205.61A
205.61A
205.61A
205.61A
205.61A
135.94A
210.28A
210.28A
210.28A
210.28A
210.28A
210.28A
107.87A
214.95A
214.95A
214.95A
214.95A
214.95A
214.95A
79.84A
219.63A
219.63A
219.63A
219.63A
219.63A
219.63A
51.80A
224.30A
224.30A
224.30A
224.30A
224.30A
224.30A
23.76A
228.97A
228.97A
228.97A
228.97A
228.97A
224.70A
233.64A
233.64A
233.64A
233.64A
233.64A
201.33A
10
238.32A
238.32A
238.32A
238.32A
238.32A
177.97A
11
242.99A
242.99A
242.99A
242.99A
242.99A
136.94A
12
378.80A
378.80A
378.80A
215.48A
13
479.25A
479.25A
379.29A
Table 6
Restrictions of work.
ID
ML girder
ML plate
LT (days)
1.00
Distances
LD (ML)
95.85
urce in the Industry of Con
nstruction
Optimizattion of Resou
11499
35
A
Actualp
lanninggofactivvitiesin
n31dayys
30
25
20
T
Time
Actividad
dA
15
Actividad
dB
10
5
0
-500
500
500
00
500
1,000
1000
1,500
1500
Distance
Fig. 1
Durattion of the prooject accordingg to planning in
n work.
30
Activityplann
ningin2
24days
25
20
t
time
15
ActividadA
ActividadB
10
0
-500
500
500
500
0
Distan
nce
Fig. 2 Optim
mum of the prooject.
1,000
1000
1,500
1500
Optimization of Resource in the Industry of Construction
1150
we can have with our resources.
[3]
4.5 Restrictions of Work
In Table 6, we show the restriction appointed of
resource. We have to put girders, minimum one day
(LT) with daily performance of 95.85 linear meters
(LD) for after position plates.
[4]
[5]
4.6 Duration of the Project According to Planning in Work
Fig. 1 shows the planning of work that the
construction company pretended run. They finish
Activity A and after start Activity B.
4.7 Optimum of the Project
Fig. 2 shows the optimal plan using our model of
linear programming.
[6]
[7]
[8]
5. Conclusions
A study of a real problem is located in limited
resources point. We show a mathematical model of
mixed integer linear programming. Comparing the
actual execution time of the work with the time
provided by the mathematical formulation, it is
proposed a model of linear programming to solve the
problems of the current work of Granadilla and
compared it to the actual work done by the company.
We concluded that while the company tried to
complete the work, developing two consecutive
activities at the same time, during 31 days, the problem
of combinatorial optimization prepared would develop
it in only 24 days, which would suppose a reduction of
the term of execution in one week. And we can observe
that in the majority of mono-objective consulted works,
the aim is to reduce the project time.
[9]
[10]
[11]
[12]
[13]
[14]
References
[1]
[2]
J.W. Huang, X.X. Wang, R. Chen, Genetic algorithms for
optimization of resource allocation in large scale construction
project, Journal of Computers 5 (12) (2010) 1924-1926.
H. Li, N. Chan, H.L. Guo, W. Lu, M. Skitmore,
Optimizing construction planning schedules by virtual
prototyping enabled resource analysis, Automation in
Construction 18 (7) (2009) 912-918.
[15]
[16]
C. Srisuwanrat, F.G. Ioannou, O. Tsimhoni, Simulation and
optimization for construction repetitive projects using
promodel and simrunner, in: Proceedings of the 2008 Winter
Simulation Conference, Washington D.C., USA, 2008.
Z.Y. Chen, Z.D. Du, H. Zhou, Research on the unlimited
resource leveling optimization with PSO (particle swarm
optimization), China Civil Engineering Journal 40 (2)
(2007) 93-96.
J. He, Z.P. Wan, G.C. Tang, Construction Project
Scheduling Problem with Uncertain Resource Constraints,
Optimization
[Online],
http://www.optimization-online.org/DB_HTML/2004/06/
884.html (accessed Jan. 1, 2014).
L.Y. Zhang, G. Luo, N. Li, Genetic algorithms in resource
optimization of construction project, Journal of Tianjin
University (Science and Technology), Feb. 2001.
S.S. Leu, C.H. Yang, J.C. Huang, Resource leveling in
construction by genetic algorithm-based optimization and
its decision support system application, Automation in
Construction 10 (1) (2000) 27-41.
L. Gunnar, Integrating efficient resource optimization and
linear schedule analysis with singularity functions, Journal
of Construction Engineering and Management 137 (1)
(2011) 45-55.
K. Amr, E.R. Khaled, E.A. Omar, Optimization research:
Enhancing the robustness of large-scale multi-objective
optimization in construction, Journal of Construction
Engineering and Management 13 (1) (2010) 17-25.
Q.F. Li, J.X. Guo, M.X. Yi, Optimization study on
resource equilibrium with fixed time limit for a project
based on SPSO algorithm, in: International Symposium on
Intelligent
Information
Technology
Application
Workshops, Washington, DC, USA, 2008.
H. Fathi, A. Afshar, Multiple resource constraint
time-cost-resource optimization using genetic algorithm,
in: First International Conference on Construction in
Developing Countries, Karachi, Pakistan, Aug. 4-5, 2008.
A.A. Kandil, Multi-objective optimization for large-scale
highway construction projects, Ph.D. Thesis, University
of Illinois, 2006.
T.M. Cheng, C.W. Feng, Y.L. Chen, A hybrid mechanism
for optimizing construction simulation models,
Automation in Construction 14 (2005) 85-98.
O.O. Ugwu, J.H.M. Tah, Development and application of
a hybrid genetic algorithm for resource optimization and
management, Engineering, Construction and Architectural
Management 9 (4) (2002) 304-317.
K. El-Rayes, O. Moselhi, Optimizing resource utilization for
repetitive construction projects, Journal of Construction
Engineering and Management 127 (1) (2001) 18-27.
H. Ching, J. Chang, C. Huang, I. Yang,
Resource-constrained scheduling for continuous repetitive
projects withsteelsBased production units, Automation
in Construction 18 (7) (2009) 942-949.
