Modelling construction material logistics system with stochastic Petri nets

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential of applying Petri nets to improve construction material logistics analysis and modelling.Design/methodology/approach – The characteristics of construction logistics are unveiled by analysing the existing practices of logistics management. In views of the dynamic nature of construction logistics problem, a stochastic Petri nets (SPNs) approach is proposed to tackle the time‐evolution property. Using a simulation package called PetriTool™ a simulation model is developed. Finally, a case example is applied to illustrate the way in which SPNs is used for analysing and modelling construction material logistics problems.Findings – The results indicate that the impacts triggered by variations in delivery lead‐time and changes in delivery quantities can be approximated thereby facilitating decision makers to devise a more reliable and optimal materials management plan for construction projects.Research limitations/implications – The complex routing p...

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