Optimizing the schedule of resource constrained construction projects using genetic algorithms

Other Title(s)

الجدولة المثلى للمشاريع الإنشائية مقيدة الموارد باستخدام الخوارزميات الجينية

Dissertant

Fayyad, Tahrir Muhammad

Thesis advisor

al-Qidrah, Mamun Abd al-Hamid
Arafa, Muhammad

University

Islamic University

Faculty

Faculty of Engineering

Department

Department of Civil Engineering

University Country

Palestine (Gaza Strip)

Degree

Master

Degree Date

2010

English Abstract

In this research, an optimization technique was developed using Genetic Algorithms (GA) to optimize the schedule of construction project activities in order to minimize the total duration of the project, subjected to both precedence and resources constraints. Genetic algorithms are a family of computational models inspired by evolution.

These algorithms encode a potential solution to a specific problem on a simple chromosome like data structure and apply recombination operators to these structures so as to preserve critical information.

In this research, a new approach was developed in generating the populations of the genetic algorithms generations; that is the “Feasible Solutions Developer operator; (FSD operator)”.

This operator enables the user to create completely feasible solutions that satisfy all constraints, and this helps in getting a quick convergence toward the best solution during GA stages, without losing the GA feature of searching global maximum or minimum.

Also, a new crossover operator was developed in this study; the procedure of the new crossover operator suit the scheduling problem formulation, and suit the type of the used chromosomes. An implementation of the developed GA optimization model for resource-constrained construction projects scheduling has resulting in an application program called the CPS Optimizer.

It treats the deficiencies of traditional scheduling systems such as CPM, that don’t take resource constraints in consideration, The CPS is a user friendly program with a graphical user interface .

Verification and validation of the developed program were applied. A comparison with the results of previous studies and with the feature of “resource leveling” in the commercial construction management programs showed a strong efficiency of the developed model. The results of the developed optimization model meet the intended goal of achieving the best schedule with the minimum efforts.

Main Subjects

Civil Engineering

Topics

• Management
• Algorithms
• Construction projects

No. of Pages

95

Table of Contents

• APA
• MLA
• AMA

Language

English

Data Type

Arab Theses

Record ID

BIM-301732