A DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR MINIMIZING THE DISTURBANCE OF AIRFIELD CONSTRUCTION (SFIA CASE STUDY)

Due to the complex nature of airport systems, renovation can become a challenging problem especially when construction interferes with ongoing aircraft operations. In this paper, a new concept called the "disturbance concept" is developed along with a modeling methodology for managing airfield renovation. The methodology consists of a conceptual model represented by a Disturbance Matrix (DM), and a Total Disturbance Cost (TDC) model. A prototype Airport Renovation Decision Support System (ARDSS) is developed to adopt the disturbance model, analyze disturbance, and evaluate hybrid construction/operation scenarios by integrating stochastic airport simulation such as SIMMOD and project management packages such as Primavera. The disturbance model is validated in a major case study, a runway reconstruction at San Francisco International Airport. As a result, ARDSS is found invaluable for minimizing disturbance and providing airport authorities, airlines, air traffic controllers, and contractors with insights and recommendations, which may eventually lead to reduced cost associated with both construction and airport operations and improve their overall performance.