Optimizing the Scheduling of Repetitive Construction to Minimize Interruption Cost

摘要

This paper presents the development of a novel optimization model for the scheduling of repetitive construction projects. The model provides original and unique capabilities that enable planners to search for and identify an optimalear optimal schedule that simultaneously minimizes project duration, crew work interruptions, and interruption costs. The model computations are organized in four major modules: (1)an optimization module that searches for and identifies a near optimal schedule that simultaneously minimizes the project duration, work interruptions, and interruption costs; (2)an initial scheduling module that calculates the early start date and work-continuity total float for each activity in all of its repetitive sections; (3)an intermediate scheduling module that generates a set of feasible schedules that simultaneously minimize project duration and work interruptions; and (4)an interruption cost module that calculates total interruption cost for each of the generated schedules. An application example of a repetitive construction project is analyzed to evaluate model performance and demonstrate its capabilities in optimizing the scheduling of repetitive construction projects.