Optimization of Construction Sequence Improve Productivity and Cost Efficiency

OPTIMIZATION OF CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE IMPROVE
PRODUCTIVITY AND COST EFFICIENCY
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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