Identify and prioritize the major influencing causes of automated concrete mixing system for mega construction projects using analytic hierarchy process

Abstract

It is clear that most of mega and medium sized projects in Egypt are using ready-mix concrete in their construction work. It is important to improve the actual production rates of batch plant to optimize the usage of their outputs; the use of concrete batch plants by concrete mixers is rapidly increasing in the construction industry. This is an important step in securing high productivity in the industry. Concrete batch plant specialists are well aware of the importance of productivity, and hence, there is a great potential for productivity improvement in batch plant concrete industry, Batch plant of concrete is very essential part in construction process, which is defined as central plant on project site and is transported by transit mixers to projects, this paper attempts to classify, investigate, and sort causes that affect batch plant productivity. To perform that goal, researchers invited experts on this field by answering detailed a questionnaire survey. It was taken brain storming into consideration, through more effective causes was identified in batch plant. Totally, forty five (45) related causes are classified into five (5) major groups. This survey was done with representatives and experts from public and private automated batch plants. All data was analyzed by Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), ranking and simple percentages. All ranked causes were demonstrated and mentioned against their most effective causes to the batch plant productivity. Keywords: Concrete batch plants, Ready-Mixed Concrete (RMC), Ranking, Causes, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Construction Industry