Table of Contents
An opening statement
Review of the Literature
Research problem: Describe the topic you are interested in studying.
The aims of the research
Ask Questions
Significance Research
Research Methodology is the study of how research is conducted. It examines how data is collected, analyzed, and interpreted in order to answer questions.
An opening statement
Each construction project is different and each one has its own operating environment. The execution of a construction job is often limited by constraints. These limitations can limit field operations’ progress or start, which can have a significant impact on project performance. A constraint is any condition that can prevent a project’s goals from being achieved. A master plan and short-term planning are key factors in the success of construction projects. The master schedule gives a general view of the project and its overall execution strategy. A look-ahead schedule provides details about operational constraints and a plan that shows how work can be completed in a short time frame. These schedules should be accurate to the field and provide instructions for field personnel without conflicts or constraints. Ballard (2000) identified this as a crucial component of last-planner’s methodology. This research project will give an overview on the state-of-the-art schedule constraint analyses practice during look ahead scheduling. This research project will also provide a conceptual framework that can be used to manage constraints.
A brief literature review revealed that previous studies have mainly focused on modeling and understanding a specific type of constraint such as information, technological, contractual, resource and spatial constraints. It has not been possible to classify all constraints according their characteristics in an exhaustive manner. There are many approaches to modeling and solving constraints. CPM-based models are recommended to address time-related issues. Knowledge-based systems can automate work planning generation. Network-based optimization algorithms can resolve constraints. Databases and visualization techniques, like 3D, 4D or Virtual Reality (VR), can be used for communicating and visualizing constraints. A structured and comprehensive approach to managing constraints is what has been missing in the previous studies. Research problem: Describe the topic you are interested in studying. The importance of creating a work plan that is reliable, efficient and free from any kind of constraint is well-known. Unfortunately, many construction projects continue to be delayed and overrun by cost. This can often be attributed to ineffectively identifying and treating constraints. First, ineffective scheduling can lead to future conflicts. Construction operations are now more difficult and technically complicated than ever, making them more vulnerable to complex constraints. Second, traditional scheduling methods such as bar charts or Critical Path Methods (CPM), are often used to constraint analyze. This limits our ability to model and solve constraints during look ahead scheduling. These methods have been blamed long-standingly for their limitations when modeling and communicating constraints. Sriprasert 2002; Chua 2001; Shen2001. Summary: To ensure that the work plan is free from constraints, we need to be better able to identify and model constraints.
Research ObjectivesThe long-term goal of this research is to create a formalized system for managing constraint. Here, constraint management can be defined as the process for identifying, classifying and modeling constraints. This study aims to review the literature and industry practices related to constraint analysis, and to outline a framework for managing it. The following are sub-objectives.
This article will provide an overview of the most common constraints encountered in construction projects.
To develop a method to classify constraints for easier modeling and identification.
To review industry practices in constraint modeling and to conduct researches;
A conceptual framework to manage total constraint. The industry practitioners and software developers will benefit from the results of this study.
Research Questions The following research questions must be addressed:
What are some of the common constraints in construction projects?
How do you classify these constraints to make it easier to identify and model?
What is the industry’s current practice and research advances in modeling and resolving constraint?
Research is important
To give a complete review of the characteristics and sources of constraints commonly found in construction projects.
To create a constraint classifier method to make it easier to identify and model constraint.
To review industry practices, researches and current industry practices in relation to constraint modelling;
A conceptual framework to manage total constraint. The industry practitioners and software developers will benefit from the results of this study.
Research Methodology Literature review and conceptual modeling are the primary methods of research for this study. An organized approach to constraint classification and identification is the first step in creating a “zero constraint” environment. This study will examine the characteristics of various constraints in construction. A classification system will be created to help in constraint modeling and identification. Based on extensive industry research and academic research, the second stage will identify existing constraint modeling techniques. The final stage of the study will outline a conceptual framework to manage total constraints. This study is scheduled to be completed between September 2010 through May 2011.
