Optimizing the utilization of multiple labor shifts in construction projects

Evening and night shifts are often used in construction projects to accelerate schedules despite their negative impacts on construction cost and productivity. In order to minimize these negative impacts, this paper presents a multi-objective optimization model for scheduling multiple labor shifts in construction projects. The optimization model incorporates (1) an initialization module that initializes the scheduling optimization computations; (2) a scheduling module that develops practical multiple shift schedules and evaluates the impacts of decision variables on project performance; and (3) a multi-objective genetic algorithm module that searches for and identifies optimal/near optimal tradeoffs among minimizing project duration, reducing cost, and minimizing labor utilization in evening and night shifts. An application example is analyzed to illustrate the use of the model and demonstrate its capabilities in optimizing the planning and scheduling of multiple shifts in construction projects while complying with all job logic and labor availability constraints.

[1]  C A Czeisler,et al.  Rotating shift work schedules that disrupt sleep are improved by applying circadian principles. , 1982, Science.

[2]  Waldemar Karwowski.  Design of Shift Systems for Shiftwork , 2006 .

[3]  Cengiz Haksever,et al.  Flexible Model for Time'Cost Tradeoff Problem , 2004 .

[4]  Khaled A El-Rayes,et al.  Optimum planning of highway construction under A + B bidding method , 2001 .

[5]  Khaled A El-Rayes,et al.  Optimizing Resource Utilization for Repetitive Construction Projects , 2001 .

[6]  Osama Moselhi,et al.  Accelerating linear projects , 2005 .

[7]  Chung-Wei Feng,et al.  Using genetic algorithms to solve construction time-cost trade-off problems , 1997 .

[8]  W. Edward Back,et al.  Optimization of crew configurations using activity-based costing , 1998 .

[9]  Awad S. Hanna,et al.  Impact of Shift Work on Labor Productivity for Labor Intensive Contractor , 2008 .

[10]  Ronald G. Stansfield.  Human Factors/Ergonomics for Building and Construction , 1983 .

[11]  Sou-Sen Leu,et al.  GA-BASED MULTICRITERIA OPTIMAL MODEL FOR CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULING , 1999 .

[12]  Piotr Jaśkowski,et al.  Scheduling Construction Projects Using Evolutionary Algorithm , 2006 .

[13]  Mohan M. Kumaraswamy,et al.  Applying a Genetic Algorithm-Based Multiobjective Approach for Time-Cost Optimization , 2004 .

[14]  Ahmed Senouci,et al.  Use of Genetic Algorithms in Resource Scheduling of Construction Projects , 2004 .

[15]  James M. Antill,et al.  Critical path methods in construction practice , 1970 .

[16]  W. Karwowski.  International encyclopedia of ergonomics and human factors , 2001 .

[17]  Heng Li,et al.  Using machine learning and GA to solve time-cost trade-off problems , 1999 .

[18]  Sou-Sen Leu,et al.  OPTIMAL REPETITIVE SCHEDULING MODEL WITH SHAREABLE RESOURCE CONSTRAINT , 2001 .

[19]  Calin Popescu,et al.  Estimating Building Costs , 2003 .

[20]  Ying Xiong,et al.  Applying an Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm-Based Multiobjective Approach for Time–Cost Trade-Off , 2008 .

[21]  S. Folkard,et al.  Shift work, safety and productivity. , 2003, Occupational medicine.

[22]  Carl T. Haas,et al.  Assignment and Allocation Optimization of Partially Multiskilled Workforce , 2002 .

[23]  Khaled A El-Rayes,et al.  Time-Cost-Quality Trade-Off Analysis for Highway Construction , 2005 .

[24]  Michael Kitchens.  Estimating and Project Management for Building Contractors , 1996 .

[25]  Tarek Hegazy,et al.  Simplified Spreadsheet Solutions. II: Overall Schedule Optimization , 2001 .