Publications / 2019 Proceedings of the 36th ISARC, Banff, Canada

Process Modelling in Civil Infrastructure Projects: A Review of Construction Simulation Methods

Maryam Al-Kaissy, Mehrdad Arashpour, Sajad Fayezi, Ali Akbarnezhad and Baabak Ashuri
Pages 368-375 (2019 Proceedings of the 36th ISARC, Banff, Canada, ISBN 978-952-69524-0-6, ISSN 2413-5844)
Abstract:

It is known that process simulation is a feasible solution to deal with real-world complexities and problems. Civil infrastructure in particular, is a complex system that can benefit from process simulation. This paper provides a critical overview of different simulation modelling paradigms used in construction to achieve better system performance. Three simulation paradigms of agent based modelling, discrete events simulation, and system dynamics are reviewed and their different applications, specifically in civil infrastructure are discussed. The paper then discusses the hybrid paradigms of agent based modelling with system dynamics, and agent based modelling with discrete event simulation, and how hybrid approaches have better capabilities to model complex problems occurring in civil infrastructure. Such modelling approaches, therefore, will improve overall efficiency of construction production.

Keywords: Construction project planning, Infrastructure sector; Integrated and combined models; productivity and efficiency; Supply chain management