Abstract

Optimization of resources is very important in all construction projects. Project managers have to face problems regarding management of cost, time and available resources for single projects. This is more challenging when managing multiple projects. Most of the recent studies focused on optimization of resources for a single project, or a single resource. This thesis presents a numerical model of multiple resources optimization for multiple projects using Genetic Algorithm. Most of the companies in the construction industry optimize the resources for single projects only. However, with the presence of several mega projects in several developing countries running at the same time, there is a need for a model to enhance the efficiency of available resources, and decreases the fluctuation as much as possible and try to maximize the use of the available pool of resources. The proposed model is user friendly, and it can optimize up to nine resources in three different projects running at the same time. The model is used on the identified critical resources. It calculates the cost of each resource, minimize the cost of extra resources as much as possible and generate the schedule of each project within a selected overall program. The model was verified by different scenarios; 1- optimization of multiple resources of a single project; 2- optimization of single resource of multiple projects; 3- optimization of multiple resources of two projects; 4- optimization of multiple resources of three projects meeting deadlines; 5- optimization of multiple resources of three projects but extending the deadlines. The model was able to decrease the extra cost of resources significantly in all scenarios. To validate the model a case study of several residential villas was chosen to test the model on real projects and the extra cost of resources was reduced significantly without extending the projects time.

Department

Construction Engineering Department

Degree Name

MS in Construction Engineering

Graduation Date

2-1-2018

Submission Date

September 2017

First Advisor

Ezeldin, A. Samer

Committee Member 1

Nassar, Khaled

Committee Member 2

El Hosseiny, Ossama

Extent

149 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Not necessary for this item

Comments

I would first like to thank my thesis advisor Dr. A. Samer Ezeldin, Chair of Construction Engineering department in the American University in Cairo. The door to Dr. Samer’s office was always open whenever I ran into a trouble spot or had a question about my research or writing. He consistently allowed this research to be my own work, but steered me in the right the direction whenever he thought I needed it. I would like also to thank him for his invaluable encouragement to myself to get involved in Academic research, writing, and publishing. I would like to thank Dr. Ossama Hosny, Prof. in Construction Engineering Department in the American University in Cairo for his generous support throughout my masters’ studies. I would also like to thank the experts who were involved in the validation data for this research project: Eng. Taher, Chairman of Five Builders Co., Eng. Tarek Zarad, Eng. Noha Shafik my colleagues during my undergraduate studies. Without their passionate participation and input, the validation data could not have been successfully conducted. Most importantly, I must express my very profound gratitude to my parents, Eng. Gamal Aboul Fotouh Embaby, and Dr. Safa Awad. Without their persistence to push me to continue my studies despite all the obstacles, I would have never done this. And also my siblings and spouse; Yasmine, Mohamed and Mahmoud for providing me with unfailing support and continuous encouragement throughout my years of study and through the process of researching and writing this thesis. This accomplishment would not have been possible without them. Thank you. Finally, I would like to thank my children, Mohamed, Fareeda and Hassan. They made me learn how to value every second of time, how to be able to do multi-tasks at the same time and how to do my best so that you can be proud of their MUM.

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