Simulation analysis of logistics operations in construction sites

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Insinööritieteiden korkeakoulu | Master's thesis
Ask about the availability of the thesis by sending email to the Aalto University Learning Centre oppimiskeskus@aalto.fi

Authors

Date

2017-06-12

Department

Major/Subject

Structural Engineering

Mcode

ENG30309

Degree programme

Master's Programme in Structural Engineering

Language

en

Pages

70

Series

Abstract

Logistics operations in construction sites are one of the major impacts on labor productivity. Improving labor productivity by analyzing logistics operations in digital tools such as simulation studies, is a common way in manufacturing industry. In this thesis, logistics operations in construction sites are analyzed in a discrete-event factory simulation software for potential improvements on labor productivity. Elements of logistics operations in construction sites are interconnected and difficult to isolate. A theoretical model from literature is adopted for this research to identify the impact of each element on labor productivity. Learnings from adopted model resulted in two groups of elements that are fitting to simulation studies. These groups are, site lay-out optimization (SLO) and congested workspaces. Existing digital tools and methods for optimizing site layout plans were reviewed and used as a base point to create a procedure for simulation studies. For site layout optimization, a procedure that uses BIM model, data extraction, statistical analysis and model transfer to simulation environment was created. It was aimed to create a procedure that decreases the required time for simulation modelling and processing time. Proposed procedure was used as a decision aid tool for construction site layout planning. Demonstration of developed solution is presented on a conceptual example. Methods of labor productivity measurement are discussed, and combined into a model to estimate the reduction in labor productivity due to congestion in workspaces via simulation studies. Proposed model included field rating, time study and labor productivity impact factors found in literature review. For demonstration, a theoretical example of congested workspace is given. Demonstrated example for congested workspaces showed close results to impact factors given by labor organizations. Improving labor productivity by analyzing logistics operations in digital tools such as simulation studies, is a common way in manufacturing industry. In this thesis, logistics operations in con-struction sites are analyzed in a discrete-event factory simulation software for potential improvements on labor productivity.

Description

Supervisor

Seppänen, Olli

Thesis advisor

Peltokorpi, Antti

Keywords

construction-site, simulation, site-layout, optimization, logistics, simulation

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https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-201706135539

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[dipl] Insinööritieteiden korkeakoulu / ENG