Simulation Model for Optimizing Heavy Equipment Among Multiple Concurrent Projects

Author's Department

Construction Engineering Department

Second Author's Department

Construction Engineering Department

Third Author's Department

Construction Engineering Department

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https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-62170-3_11

All Authors

Raghda Moharram, Yasmeen A.S. Essawy, Khaled Nassar

Document Type

Research Article

Publication Title

Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering

Publication Date

1-1-2024

doi

10.1007/978-3-031-62170-3_11

Abstract

The efficient management of resources is a significant challenge for construction companies, particularly when allocating heavy equipment across multiple concurrent projects. Heavy equipment accounts for a substantial portion of a project's direct costs and is often limited due to its high price. Program managers must make crucial decisions about which projects to allocate owned equipment to and which to rent equipment for, with incorrect decisions resulting in high idle rates for owned equipment and higher costs due to equipment rental. To address this issue, a simulation model was developed to simulate multiple projects concurrently and identify the necessary resources, particularly heavy equipment. The model optimized the allocation of resources between rented and owned equipment based on various factors, including original value, depreciation period, storage fees, idle rates, maintenance fees, and transportation fees. The model will also help construction companies make informed decisions about investing in new equipment and increasing the number of existing equipment. The simulation model was built using AnyLogic software and automatically modeled on-site activities and their required resources based on user inputs in an Excel file. The user inputs the necessary costs of owned and rented equipment, and the model simulates the projects based on their schedules and optimizes the allocation of required resources. The model aimed to assist construction managers and companies in managing their resources, especially those that have a high impact on the direct cost of the project. Ultimately, the model aimed to minimize equipment costs across the program or company as a whole rather than just on a project-by-project basis.

First Page

149

Last Page

160

Comments

Conference Paper. Record derived from SCOPUS.

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