A Conceptual Framework for Total Constraint Management in Construction

Complex construction projects are subject to numerous constraints that limit the commencement or progression of field operations. Effective management of these constraints is a key element in the look-ahead planning process to ensure a constraint-free work plan, and thus efficient field operations. While past studiesprimarily deal with a limited set of constraint types, there is a need for a more thorough understanding and classification of common constraints across different industry sectors and work activity types, as well as a more practical way to identify and track constraints through a combination of automated and manual methods. This research proposes a Total Constraint Management (TCM) approach for construction constraint identification, tracking, and resolution. Within the TCM framework, a constraint classification method, incorporating trade-specific “constraint templates”, facilitates constraint classification and identification for different types of construction work. To efficiently manage constraints in the field, this paper also discusses a process model for semi-automated and computerized constraint tracking and status reporting.The result of this study is valuable to the industry practitioners and software providers in developing better tools for constraint management and workfaceplanning.