A Budgeting Model for the Safety Unit of an Under Construction Metro Station in Tehran Using a Robust Optimization

Background: The construction of metro lines is a high-risk project. Using a budget-based model for the safety units of metro construction projects can help safety managers to spend optimal budget allocation. The purpose of this study was to plan a budget model based on safety unit performance in an under construction metro station for better budget allocation using robust optimization. Methods: To design this model, budget dimensions were identified by the experts and based on causes and costs of accidents in the past year. Then, constraints of metro workshops were considered. The next step was involved in determining the importance of each dimension. Finally, the budgeting model was designed using Gurobi software. In order to prove the proposed budgeting model, as a case study, the model was implemented in one of the metro workshops. Results: Considering existing constraints, the model revealed that the budget should be at least 4.370.478.000 rials. Surprisingly, the predicted budget amount was less than the expended amount in the safety unit of the project. However, budget allocation to dimensions was dramatically different. Conclusion: The results showed that the robust optimization budgeting was functionally and economically optimal. Moreover, there is a need for logical budget distribution.