Optimization of Construction Sequence Improve Productivity and Cost Efficiency

This document discusses the optimization of construction sequence to improve productivity and cost efficiency. It explores the methods and objectives of project optimization, including the impact of planning, scheduling, and delay. The relevance of optimization to the construction of Western Sydney Airport is also discussed.

OPTIMIZATION OF CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE IMPROVE
PRODUCTIVITY AND COST EFFICIENCY
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Date

Contents
Abstract.......................................................................................................................................................2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.................................................................................................................................3
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................5
MOTIVATION OF SELECTED TOPIC...............................................................................................................5
Project Optimization................................................................................................................................5
Optimization Objectives..........................................................................................................................7
METHODS OF SELECTED ENGINEERING TOPIC............................................................................................8
Review of impacts of Planning, Scheduling and Delay on the optimization process...........................8
Integration of the Planning concepts...................................................................................................9
Planning Steps...................................................................................................................................10
Methods of Planning.............................................................................................................................10
Steps involved in scheduling..................................................................................................................11
OUTCOME AND DISCUSSION OF THE APPROACH OF CPS......................................................................12
Planning Issues......................................................................................................................................13
RELEVANCE OF OPTIMIZTION APPROACH TO WESTERN SYDNEY AIRPORT...........................................17
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................................20
Recommendations and self-reflections.....................................................................................................20
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................................22
Abstract
The managers of the project currently relies on tools for scheduling which are based on the
Critical Path Method commonly refered to as CPM in the determination of the entire duration of

the project and the float time of the activities. Such kind of data assist in the provision of very
important information about the level of flexibility with respect to the schedule of the project as
well as noncritical and critical activities which collectively leads to the greater efficiency in
control and planning of the projects. Scheduling of the project plans and deliverables is never
enough. It is important to ensure that optimization programs are put in place so as to
accommodate or to maximize the utility of all the available resources including labour and time.
In this particular project, CPS has been used as the main tool in decision making and it has
helped in the optimization of the construction process of Western Sydney Airport. The
mechanism of optimization has incorporated constraints of the project in the analysis of CPA.
Through the evaluation of various processes, there is simplification of the network relationships
that reflects accurate calculations of the critical paths and floats. It has also allowed for proper
allocation of the resources as well as facilitation of accurate analysis of the delay hence
overcoming the challenges which are associated with the multiple calendars of the resources in
the construction of Western Sydney Airport. The developed Technique of CPS has shown the
potential to simplify and revolutionize the on-going as well as- built schedules.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The limitation of the resources usually leads to projects that are resource-constrained with
scheduling problems. In such cases, limited resources are allocated among jobs or tasks that have
pre-defined requirements of resources. Different projects of construction have different sizes and
therefore different operations required. Each and every project bear a time constraint. Any kind
of delay in bringing the project to completion will generally increase the total cost incurred in
that project. Effective management of small projects can be done manually while computer
technology can be applied for management of medium and large projects .Such computers
located for the management of the medium and large projects has installed software that make
management more effective and easy.
The objective of this particular research was to produce optimal level of activity in the
construction of Western Sydney Airport with the minimum duration of the project. The focus has
been to have a competent-centric construction project that operates under constraints of
resources. Although only nine percent of the population of Australia lives in Western Sydney,
the access to the airport usually consumes two hours of the commuter’s time. CPM appeals to be
a very vital tool for the projects of construction of Western Sydney Airport since the contactors
are able to evaluate the amount of resources required for the project and at what time of need, it
also gives the vendors information on the time of delivery of materials, and also determine the
correct time for sub-constructors to perform their operation
It is important to note that only sequences of construction which are pragmatic to adjust on the
site can be taken through optimization rather than adjusting quantities of the resources required
for every activity. This is in line with a resource-constrained project scheduling problem which is
commonly known as (RCPSP). Optimization of the schedules of constructions through

adjustments of the required resources has been targeted by this particular paper. The study has
chosen the approach of CPS in the management of the Western Sydney Airport Construction
Schedules. The approach of CPS is regarded to be a scheduling approach that entails a lot of
information vital for documenting as well as analyzing built schedules.
Operation of CPs can therefore be excellent in support of the employed efforts to obtain low
granularity levels that will enable an efficient control of the project by means of managing the
available resources properly, analysis on delays, taking records on events at site and corrective
measures (Doench et al.2016). The process of construction is viewed to be a group of operations
that bear inter-relations, including the roles played by a worker, Both skilled and non-skilled
applying the currently available technologies and skills such as use of machines, software
chemicals among others, in a desired and more effective manner, for which in any case there is
failure will bring the process of construction to a standstill resulting into delay. The disparity
between CPS and CPM prove therefore to be the same to that between detailed shop drawings
and design drawings applied in the course of construction processes. The approach used has been
found fit for the optimization program in the construction schedule of Western Sydney Airport.
Introduction
Aviation is very important to the prosperity and growth of Australia. Residents, tourists and
businesses rely on accessing efficient, fast and reliable services of aviation. Australia Western
Sydney airport has been handling a population of almost 2 million. This figure is expected to

increase almost by half come 2030. It will be very important for businesses and people of
Western Sydney to be connected to the networks of Australian Aviation. The process of
construction is expected to cover a vast piece of land of almost 1,780 hectares at Badgerys
Creek. Considering that the new airport is expected to be opened by the year 2026, the process
must be optimized. It is only through optimization program that the project will meet its
objectives on time.
The program of optimization has involved breakdown of the construction process into stages.
The construction process is expected to attract several employees at different stages thereby
leading to the creation of jobs. The full potential of these workers at the construction of Western
Sydney will only be realized with the best option of optimization. It is expected that the needs for
the jobs which are related to construction will continue even after the stage 1 of the process is
completed. As the airport grows overtime, the aviation support and the terminal building will
need to be expanded. This implies that the suggested structure of optimization must support this
kind of sustainability.
MOTIVATION OF SELECTED TOPIC
Project Optimization
It is the desire of almost all the companies to ensure that all the projects are delivered within the
shortest time possible. Construction activity has proven to be the 2nd best economic practice
within Indian nation which is very close to agricultural sector. The role played by construction
process is very important for the economic growth of the country through the numerous
influences on different sectors of the economy and since it forms the basis of industrial capital
goods. However, being that the process of construction is secretive in nature, the experience
acquired concerning planning, scheduling as well as delays in the processes of construction are

not easily shared (Pronk et al.2013). It is leading into spending a lot of money handling
inefficiency in the recurrent expenditures by relevant authorities.
Proper planning of the project will prevent the company from experiencing unnecessary losses.
Ancient construction processes were labor intensive therefore planning was made based on
proper use of available labor to attain an optimum construction progress in a way that appeals to
be more effective. Currently, following advancements in technology as well as numerous
inventions in the science sector, additional research has been done within the construction
industry. The process of construction is viewed to be a group of operations that bear inter-
relations, including the roles played by a worker, Bothe skilled and non-skilled applying the
currently available technologies and skills such as use of machines, software chemicals among
others, in a desired and more effective manner, for which in any case there is failure will bring
the process of construction to a standstill resulting into delay.
Application of various approaches like Program Evaluation and Review Technique, PERT, and
Critical Path Method, CPM, are regarded to be the most effective manner in which planning
processes for construction purpose can be achieved. There is limited sharing of information
regarding scheduling as well as monitoring processes of construction and therefore a lot of
inefficiency cost is spent as recurring cost. An effective planning is therefore required for any
construction process to eliminate the occurrence of unnecessary losses. The process of
construction as a whole has become more scientific following the application of the two
techniques in the machinery and skilled workers, plant as well as identification of possible
alternative solutions then determine the best among the solutions using computer knowledge.
This has made it rather difficult to work manually on large construction projects without
applying such techniques (De Donato et al.2013).

Optimization Objectives
The main aim of any unit of construction is to ensure completion of the work as stipulated on
schedule and as per the proposed budget under the utilization of the available resources properly
such as capital, machinery, man power, materials and other construction requirements.
To ensure that the goal is met, planning process should major on economical execution of the
project based on time and money spent. An actual report on progress of laborers as well as initial
work schedule must be present for the purpose of updating the process of construction (Fan, Xiao
and Zhao 2017). The progress can either lag behind or as well be a head of the initial work
schedule. The process of construction can be updated using various software like Primavera or
Microsoft Project (MSP). This study mainly aims at providing the analysis on planning,
scheduling as well as delay issued in the construction process of an apartment. The study aims at
providing the analysis on planning and scheduling as well as delay on various activities of the
project performed by use of MS Excel software and MS project, the software is responsible for
the allocation and determination of manpower on every activity carried out. Calculations of labor
requirements for any performed action are done from the standards extracted from the site.
Analysis on the delay in completion of the project is obtained through an updated schedule that
assists in completion of the project in time without wastage of resources. All these are addressed
within the span of this study.
METHODS OF SELECTED ENGINEERING TOPIC
Review of impacts of Planning, Scheduling and Delay on the optimization
process
The work that has been presented by different authors mainly concentrates on the benefits of
planning, scheduling as well as delay analysis and also on proper usage of the available
construction resources. Some scholars in their report stated that no great concern has been made

on optimum resource allocation for the process of construction to the present, giving relevant
examples in cases that optimal use of the available resources was not attained. The authors went
further and stated that a waste of resources will call for higher prices on the same material in
future. Such reports stressed on the importance of proper handling and implementation of the
available resources in the actual construction (Marinaki et al.2013).
Other studies by other scholars stress on the importance of time with regard to planning.
Construction models of planning have been made for the varied estimates of time with intensive
application of the proposed schedule reports. The scholars identified in their work that theoretical
applications of such models was excellent though application of the models practically proved to
be rather complex. The project was therefore grouped into four different categories or stages that
are well defined following the created models by scholars. Such stages include project planning
and controlling stages as well as control format development and feedback stages.
Other scholars also reported various causes of delays in construction processes such as improper
time of decision making by the owner or engineer, adverse weather conditions, strikes and other
unpredictable changes that influence the lifespan of construction among others(Luo et al.2013).
The scholars stated in their work that such delays impact negatively on the involved parties of
construction in that, there is an adverse increase in the cost of construction that greatly affect the
constructor and the owner may not be refunded at the right time.
Some scholars based on their observations categorized the reasons for delays in construction into
six groups irrespective of the party at fault and such groups include, Miscellaneous Factors,
Change in Requirements by the Owner, Force Majeure, Differing Conditions of the Site, Unusual
Adverse Weather and Design Errors or Omissions.

Integration of the Planning concepts
This is a listing of all the activities, work packages or forms of work that a construction process
is comprised of. Planning stage in the phase in which the determination of construction
requirements such as man power, materials, capital, machinery and other resources is
dine(Farasat et al.2014). It involves estimations on times and costs of any activity carried out at
the site. the main role of planning is to present the necessary task of operation for work
completion and design a well-defined time table or provide a sequential inter-relations for the
work operations at the commencing dates and last dates of operation and ascertain that the
necessary materials are readily available for each of the activities and can be accessed easily in
case need arises. There are steps set to attain the planning design required and these steps include
logic, timing, analysis and lastly scheduling. Planning inputs are generally from the contractors,
leaders, managers of the project, and engineers within the field as well as estimation
departments.
Planning phase forms the background of the project and is based on transparent set objectives.
Proper planning ensures sufficient availability of required resources at the exact time of need and
also ensures enough time for each and every stage and also certain that the time allocated for the
start of different component activities is appropriate (Gopal and Kumar 2013). Other factors
incorporated within planning are time schedule, budget, completion sequence for a given task,
estimate, man power, plant, material and equipment planning.
Planning Steps
The process of planning involves a step by step procedure. Such steps include the following:
 Design a list of operations
 Design a diagram of network
 Determine the critical path

 Resource allocation or manipulate the schedule(Xu et al.2013)
 Check on money as well as time tradeoff
 Organizing information of the project.
 Recording the activity status and then
 Make comparisons on the initially reported plan.
Methods of Planning
Planning demands call for establishment of various methods that aid support to management
within the sector of construction.
Techniques that are in common application include program evaluation and review technique
(PERT), critical path method (CPM), Gantt chart or Bar chart.
Integration of scheduling concepts
The schedule of construction has different meanings depending on the perspective view by the
parties involved in the process of construction such as contractors, sub-contractors, suppliers,
designers as well as owners. The different meanings of the construction schedule include: the
required date of finishing the work phase; values of schedule submitted by contractors that calls
for progress payments on a monthly basis; it may also means an arrangement process for
particular activities in a desired sequence and phase for project completion(Love et al 2013). As
per the report, schedule is regarded to be a presentation in the form of a graph indicating phasing
rate of the activities of construction together with the commencing and finishing dates which is a
sequential relation between different project activities that ensures that the manner and the order
in which the activity is handled is effective (Wang et al.2015).

Steps involved in scheduling
Construction schedule is regarded to be a timetable of the project or as a calendaring that shows
the dates of the activities performed within the construction process. The steps involved in
scheduling include: required time estimation for each and every operation (Liu, Xu and Cheung
2014). By use of such estimations of time, determine the overall time required to bring the
construction process to completion, identify time estimation intervals for the start and
completion of each and every activity which comply with the last date of the project, estimate the
amount of work for every component used in the activity, identify operations with crucial
expedient execution to the proposed time of completing the project, in case there is variation in
the date of completion of the project to other requirements or the contract itself, the duration of
the project should be squeezed at the lowest cost possible(Rysanek and Choudhary 2013). The
analysis on planning, scheduling and delay has proven to be of benefit and more crucial part of
any given project that ensure that the project is complete in either economical or time
manner(Teizer, Cheng, and Fang 2013). A well construction schedule has the ability to perform
numerous functions. Through application of a construction schedule to foretell the completion of
any project, constructors are in position to adjust as per the recommendations using the available
equipment to regulate the progress of work.
Different projects of construction have different sizes and therefore different operations
required. Each and every project bear a time constraint. Any kind of delay in bringing the project
to completion will generally increase the total cost incurred in that project. Effective
management of small projects can be done manually while computer technology can be applied
for management of medium and large projects (Doench et al.2016). Such computers located for
the management of the medium and large projects has installed software that make management
more effective and easy.

Large projects call for use of different materials in large quantities same to execution processes
and at the same time, the associated risks with the large projects are also huge. Therefore it is
very essential to properly plan and schedule construction activities for such huge projects. Apply
the use of float times surplus possessed by various activities, regulate the times of commence and
completion for the activities of choice to reduce the unnecessary conflicts on resources and at the
same time level equipment and manpower demands, design a functioning schedule of the project
indicating the foreseen dates of the calendar for commence and completion of each and every
activity performed (Muir et al.2014).
OUTCOME AND DISCUSSION OF THE APPROACH OF CPS
Considering the presented case results by the paper work, CPS has been recognized to be an
improvement basis for the process of scheduling. Use of CPS in primary scheduling computation
is associated with numerous advantages of which one being few alterations provided in a way of
teaching scheduling basics. The segmenting duration of an activity usually in days also provide
an additional information that are in line with the results obtained in other related research
activities. It was for example proved by some scholars that generation of accurate analysis on
delay demands for a daily proper analysis. Another scholar also came up with an approach for
float division then assigning to the associated parties of the project as per the level of the
presumed risk. The scholar then proposed a dynamic monitoring system on a daily basis for the
management of the float.
Planning Issues
The granular nature of construction activities has been discussed by a number of studies in the
literature part from product or process latent. Such studies are very vital and circulate around
planning and have helped in the generation of generic baseline schedules through a prioritized
relationship derivation from the models of a product. Additionally, a lean construction perception

research like planning in short intervals that extends to crew level details has high ability to
improve productivity (Shaikh et al.2015). As per the view of a certain scholar, even insufficient
short interval planning implementation, that can be provided by CPS, prove to be more effective
compared to the employed typical planning efforts in the present construction industry.
The approach of CPS is regarded to be a scheduling approach that entails a lot of information
vital for documenting as well as analyzing built schedules. Operation of CPs can therefore be
excellent in support of the employed efforts to obtain low granularity levels that will enable an
efficient control of the project by means of managing the available resources properly, analysis
on delays, taking records on events at site and corrective measures. The disparity between CPS
and CPM prove therefore to be the same to that between detailed shop drawings and design
drawings applied in the course of construction processes.

Althou
gh the method of CPM has been applied in scheduling construction projects, it has failed to
provide decision supports which are structured. Also despite its simplicity in terms of
calculations, the schedules of CPM are difficult to analyze due to the presence of several well-
documented factors like use of complex relationships, errors in the float calculations and finally
mid-activity critical path fluctuations. CPM has no formulation that can effectively account for
several constraints of the projects like limitations on resources and deadlines. These factors are

known to affect repeatability as well as accuracy of CPM calculations. This process therefore
hinders the use of CPM as a tool of decision for the delay analysis and corrective action.
In order to overcome the weaknesses of CPM, thus particular work has presented a critical path
segment which is also called the CPS approach. The approach has been used for the micro-level
path analysis. Unlike the traditional methods of representing the duration of activities as a
continuous block of time which will later span the whole durations, the representation of the
activities by CPS is done as a number of separated consecutive segments of time which
collectively add up to the total activity duration. This particular approach allowed for the direct
conversion of any complex logical relationship which is also known as SS or FF into a finish- to-
start relationship which is also very simple.
The presence impacts of Lag time which is known to be responsible for the problems of float
calculations in the case of the traditional CPM are actually never required. It is possible to
determine the critical path fluctuation. This also allows for the determination of the multiple
calendars effectively. The ability to effectively define the connection between various activities
not necessarily as time-based but as production –based as well. When there is reporting of the
daily time-based segments, it is possible to convey the information clearly. Such information is
usually related to the construction speed and can be termed as the actual versus planned. It will
actually show the use of different resource calendars on various days or just different activities.
Such kind of the features in reality will tend to offer more granular level of the analysis which
utilizes time segment-by-time segment in the process as opposed to activity-by-activity analysis
used in the traditional set up.
In the case of CPS, all the data in the progress are usually represented on the basis of the time –
segment and it involves incorporation of all the events caused by various parties (Burhenne et

al.2015). The analysis of the schedule can be performed accurately without having a lot of
disagreement among the parties. In the case of the developed representation, the progress of
work is usually expressed as percentages that are indicated on the related segments of time. The
percentages of the progress do not allow daily input. Instead it is possible to have it averaged
over a number of days or weeks. Additional segment of time can therefore be inserted so that
known events can be represented as consequences of the activities of the owner” or the
contractor “C” under the influence of another party “N”. The other party can even be weather.
Such kind of representation is a reflection of the generic activity which clearly shows the events
evolution including the effects of decisions like acceleration as well as allocation of the resources
for the remaining floats and durations. This allows for the corrective actions to be taken as well
as analysis of the schedules.
In order to facilitate the deadline resolution as well as constraints of the resources, CPS allowed
for the representation of each activity thereby optimal costs estimates which correspond to the
variable of activities. A wide range of possible solutions to the constraints of projects were
offered. It is equally important to note that practical options are represented by the optimal
estimates which potentially vary to fast and expensive category from inexpensive and slow.
Considering the sequence of activities as well as variety of options of construction, it is possible
to arrive at the least expensive plan which is capable of meeting both the resource limit and the
deadline. Two quantitative decisions are required which include an index for method
(responsible for the provision of good trade-off between the cost of activity and the duration) as
well as the start delay time (applied at the start of each time segment (to be used in the
allocations of the resources)( Aziz and Hafez 2013).
Contributions

The CPS technique is capable to transform the manner in which generation and management of
schedules are done. A number of contributions were therefore drafted by the research following
the present development. Such contributions include:
Proper understanding of scheduling requirements of construction: the study gives a detailed
review of the presented research in the literature regarding both the practical as well as
theoretical disadvantages associated with CPM. This has helped to identify CPM scheduling
procedure sections that need to be developed further(Chua et al.2013).
Eradicating complexities in schedule relationship: project networks presentation by CPS allows
any complex logical relationship (SS, FF) to converse directly to a less complex FS relationship
with no delays that are likely to pose complexions in calculations in ancient CPM.
Proper representation of activity relationship intention: CPS offers varied flexible options that
suits intent relationship representation for the proposed activities. CPS has the ability to define
how the activities are actually related based on production and time. CPS has revolutionary
potential to change the manner in which schedules are managed and generated. As per the
current development on the EEW construction, several contributions have been made:
RELEVANCE OF OPTIMIZTION APPROACH TO WESTERN SYDNEY
AIRPORT
From the time of commence of Critical Path Methodology (CPM), planning as well as
controlling of construction projects has appeared to be simpler since it enables the managers of
the project to appraise the initial as well as the delayed period for commence and completion of
the project, to provide the definition of critical activities, to determine float activity, and also to
gauge the effect of logical relations and duration changes on overall time taken for completion of
the project.

There has been a dramatic increase in the application of critical path methodology together with
its variations, precedence diagram method (PDM) alongside construction for the industries in the
three last decades following the advantages and the great improvements attained for scheduling
software and computer software. This research paper presents CPM as both PDM and CPM. The
optimization program of the Western Sydney Construction is very important as far as handling
issues of urgency are concerned. It is expected that Western Sydney Airport would be the third
largest economy of Australia other than being the fourth largest city in its own capacity.
Despite the fact only nine percent of the population of Australia lives in Western Sydney, the
accesses to the airport usually consumes two hours of the commuter’s time. CPM appeals to be a
very vital tool for the projects of construction of Western Sydney Airport since the contactors are
able to evaluate the amount of resources required for the project and at what time of need, it also
gives the vendors information on the time of delivery of materials, and also determine the correct
time for sub-constructors to perform their operation.
Despite of all the advantages associated with CPM, there are also problems that CPM face
though solution to these problems are about to be installed. Advancements also need to be made
for the efficiency of computing as well as analytical capabilities of CPM to comply with the
varying construction requirements of the industry. The implementation of the CPS in the
construction of Western Sydney Airport identified the use of indicative layouts as alternatives for
long term optimization strategy

Construction process usually comprise of challenges, management necessities of the project and
a unique environment which significantly differs from one industry to another. Despite of the
numerous large companies that are involved within the industry, statistical analysis still shows a
number of employees less than five for more than 65 per cent of the firms dealing in
construction. The small firms are mainly compost of skilled subcontractors that work together
with general contractor. This firm category encounters extreme failures according to the survey
report which was presented by scholars in the year 1991.
The survey report linked such identified failures to different factors like insufficient flow of cash,
external factors, underbidding effects and insufficient skills for cost estimation and monitoring.
The above mentioned factors in real sense depicts improper management of the project, which is

partly as a result of the limitations of CPM, more so insufficient mathematical formulations
which are direct for the fulfillments of constraints of the project like deadlines and limits of
resources. In spite of the numerous insights practically initiated by the commercial software and
professional organizations, mainly trades and constructors of small scale, the application of
management tools of the project as well as CPM carries no further past formation of a schedule
of neat appearance for the purpose of meeting the requirements of the contract.
Conclusion
All the formulation of the optimization program has assisted in the project scheduling prior to the
start of the construction processes. The process of scheduling which takes place during progress
and construction analysis needs attention. Most of the activities will only be completed partially
with sections of the work left for fixing into other places. The resolution and allocation of
resources constraints for the activities which is ongoing has been done as per the parameters of
corrective actions determinations. The optimization program has therefore been discussed as per
the CPS formulation for every stage. It is convincing that implementation of the suggested
program of optimization will definitely lead to fast track of the entire of the process.
Recommendations and self-reflections
Having gone through the entire project on Western Sydney Airport constriction process, I have
learnt in details the specific areas that should be emphasized upon during the period of the
construction. I considered this to be the best opportunity of handling various challenges
regarding construction processes. I strongly recommend that optimization of the any
construction project not necessarily Western Sydney Airport constriction should be performed

during the stages of the planning. Analytical method should be used in the determination of the
specific variables which needs attention during the processes of construction.

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