Smart optimization for mega construction projects using artificial intelligence

Abstract

During practicing the planning process, scheduling and controlling mega construction projects, there are varieties of procedures and methods that should be taken into consideration during project life cycle. Accordingly, it is important to consider the different modes that may be selected for an activity in the scheduling, for controlling mega construction projects. Critical Path Method “CPM” is useful for scheduling, controlling and improving mega construction projects; hence this paper presents the development of a model which incorporates the basic concepts of Critical Path Method “CPM” with a multi-objective Genetic Algorithm “GA” simultaneously. The main objective of this model is to suggest a practical support for compound horizontally and vertically mega construction planners who need to optimize resource utilization in order to minimize project duration and its cost with maximizing its quality simultaneously. Proposed software is named Smart Critical Path Method System, “SCPMS” which uses features of Critical Path Method “CPM” and multi-objective Genetic Algorithms “GAs”. The main inputs and outputs of the proposed software are demonstrated and outlined; also the main subroutines and the inference wizards are detailed. The application of this research is focused on planning and scheduling mega construction projects that hold a good promise to: (1) Increase resource use efficiency; (2) Reduce construction total time; (3) Minimize construction total cost; and (4) Measure and improve construction total quality. In addition, the verification and validation of the proposed software are tested using a real case study.

Keywords

• Construction management
• Mega construction projects
• Multi-objective tradeoff
• Genetic algorithms