Computerized System for Efficient Scheduling of Highway Construction

Abstract

A practical model for scheduling and cost optimization of highway construction is presented in this paper. The model's objective is to minimize total construction cost while respecting the time and resource constraints of a project. For flexibility, the model allows each activity to have three alternative construction methods, from cheap and slow to fast and expensive. At the core of the model is an innovative scheduling algorithm for crew assignments along the various highway sections so that work continuity is maintained. The model is designed to be flexible enough to allow nontypical sections as well as variable sequence of work among the sections. For cost optimization, the model uses a nontraditional optimization technique, genetic algorithms. Details of the model formulation are presented in this paper along with its implementation in a simple-to-use computer system. To demonstrate the capabilities of the system, a realistic example is given of a highway project that is fast-tracked by using two crews working simultaneously from opposite sides. The example shows the usefulness of the system for what-if analysis, schedule optimization, and legible presentation of detailed crew assignments and activities’ progress speeds. Extensions of the model to incorporate project control features are then highlighted.