Modeling the Impact of Multiskilling and Concrete Batch Size in Multi-Story Buildings

This paper illustrates the use of a simulation model to explore ways to decrease idle time due to the lack of available working inventory during the primary phase in the construction of a multi-story building. Two strategies are analyzed: increased frequency of concreting operations and the use of multi-skilled workers who use their additional trade when there is a lack of work in their area, or when there is a shortage of employees in another area in which they are proficient. The work involved field observations in a multistory building to obtain data to build and calibrate a simulation model. In the first strategy, the results show that it would be possible to complete the primary phase using 16% less workers or in 10% less time, if concrete is poured daily instead of every other day. In the second strategy, the results show that, in average, it would be possible to complete the primary phase using 14% less workers or in 6% less time, when 30% of the workers are assumed to be multi-skilled. Upon implementing both strategies simultaneously, the results show it would be possible to complete the primary phase using 22% less workers, or in 16% less time.