<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Construction simulation is a versatile technique with numerous applications. The basic simulation methods are discrete-event simulation (DES), agent-based modeling (ABM), and system dynamics (SD). Depending on the complexity of the problem, using a basic simulation method might not be enough to model construction works appropriately; hybrid approaches are needed. These are combinations of basic methods, or pairings with other techniques, such as fuzzy logic (FL) and neural networks (NNs). This paper presents a framework for applying simulation for problems within the field of construction. It describes DES, SD, and ABM, in addition to presenting how hybrid approaches are most useful in being able to reflect the dynamic nature of construction processes and capture complicated behavior, uncertainties, and dependencies. The examples show the application of the framework for masonry works and how it could be used for obtaining better productivity estimates. Several structures of hybrid simulation are presented alongside their inputs, outputs, and interaction points, which provide a practical reference for researchers on how to implement simulation to model construction systems of labor-intensive activities and lays the groundwork for applications in other construction-related activities.</p></abstract>

Construction simulation is a versatile technique with numerous applications. The basic simulation methods are discrete-event simulation (DES), agent-based modeling (ABM), and system dynamics (SD). Depending on the complexity of the problem, using a basic simulation method might not be enough to model construction works appropriately; hybrid approaches are needed. These are combinations of basic methods, or pairings with other techniques, such as fuzzy logic (FL) and neural networks (NNs). This paper presents a framework for applying simulation for problems within the field of construction. It describes DES, SD, and ABM, in addition to presenting how hybrid approaches are most useful in being able to reflect the dynamic nature of construction processes and capture complicated behavior, uncertainties, and dependencies. The examples show the application of the framework for masonry works and how it could be used for obtaining better productivity estimates. Several structures of hybrid simulation are presented alongside their inputs, outputs, and interaction points, which provide a practical reference for researchers on how to implement simulation to model construction systems of labor-intensive activities and lays the groundwork for applications in other construction-related activities.

Overview of construction simulation approaches to model construction processes

Organization, Technology and Management in Construction: an International Journal

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

{"article-title":"Overview of construction simulation approaches to model construction processes"}

Construction simulation is a versatile technique with numerous applications. The basic simulation methods are discrete-event simulation (DES), agent-based...

		Input	Output
Methods	Discrete event simulation (DES)	Activities (activity durations, resources)Relationships	Process durationResource usage
	System dynamics (SD)	Influencing factorsStocks and flows	Changes of factors over timeEffects of factors
	Agent-based modeling (ABM)	Agents (attributes, rules of behavior)	Behavior of the system
Technique	Fuzzy logic (FL)	Factors affecting durationFrequency of occurrenceAdverse consequences	Crisp values

Overview of construction simulation approaches to model construction processes

Article Category: Research Paper

Publié en ligne: 08 mars 2019

Pages: 1853 - 1861

Reçu: 14 déc. 2018

Accepté: 03 janv. 2019

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/otmcj-2018-0018

Mots clés
agent-based modeling, discrete-event simulation, fuzzy logic, hybrid simulation, masonry, scheduling, system dynamics

© 2019 Orsolya Bokor et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

Input and output of the basic simulation approaches

Overview of construction simulation approaches to model construction processes

Article Category: Research Paper

Publié en ligne: 08 mars 2019

Pages: 1853 - 1861

Reçu: 14 déc. 2018

Accepté: 03 janv. 2019

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/otmcj-2018-0018

Mots clésagent-based modeling, discrete-event simulation, fuzzy logic, hybrid simulation, masonry, scheduling, system dynamics

© 2019 Orsolya Bokor et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

Input and output of the basic simulation approaches

Mots clés
agent-based modeling, discrete-event simulation, fuzzy logic, hybrid simulation, masonry, scheduling, system dynamics