Optimal Construction Project Planning

The nature of the construction industry combined with the lack of appropriate techniques and technologies suitable for construction work are among the main reasons for inadequate industry performance. Researchers need to develop a better understanding of the construction industry and develop approaches and technologies that will enable construction companies to do a better job in estimating, planning, and control. A production-based framework is proposed in this paper to address some of the challenges in managing construction projects. The framework is based on a number of components, which collectively represent an integrated approach for planning and execution of construction projects. This paper focuses on the simulation component of the framework and highlights the features currently available in Simphony as a leading construction simulation platform. It also addresses the main challenges and requirements for extending its capabilities to fit within the envisioned framework.