Role of simulation in construction processes - Harmony in capturing resources

The idleness of equipment-oriented and labor-intensive resources causes productivity losses in construction systems. The aim of this paper is to use discrete-event simulation to determine the system sensitivity to resource level variations. The wall cladding process of ASEMAN Hotel was analyzed to investigate the interaction of three hoists and eight cladding installation teams. A MicroCYCLONE model was developed based on the work task durations observed in the field. Sensitivity analysis of the system revealed the productivity level and idle time of resources over two runs of simulation. The results indicate that different types of resources can be balanced during the preplanning phase of the project by means of construction operation simulation.