Construction simulation, a fast-growing field, is the science of developing and experimenting with computer-based representations of construction systems to understand their underlying behavior. This paper provides a history of construction simulation theory, explores the CYCLONE modeling methodology and its major subsequent developments, examines the development of the Simphony.NET and COSYE modeling environments and their functionality as more generic simulation platforms, and reviews effective strategies for applying simulation in construction. A construction simulation case study is presented that illustrates one successful approach for adopting simulation technology in the industry and outlines the benefits to industry of integrating these technologies. The paper provides an overview of long-term simulation initiatives leading to the next generation of computer modeling systems for construction, where simulation plays an integral role in a futuristic vision of automated project planning and control.

Modeling and analyzing construction operations using simulation techniques allows researchers to capture the uncertainty and randomness usually associated with these operations and can thus be an effective tool for analysis and improvement. However, the effort and knowledge required to build simulation models and experiment with them tend to limit the use of simulation in construction. A common recommendation for removing this obstacle found in the literature leans towards developing simulation tools that reduce model development and experimentation time on the construction engineer’s side by packaging most of the knowledge required into the tool itself. Such “intelligent” simulation modeling tools may significantly impact the way construction engineers use simulation techniques in day-to-day decision making. This paper presents a framework that extends and formalizes this recommendation by providing the foundation for building intelligence into simulation objects. The proposed framework provides the structure necessary for building intelligence and autonomy into simulation objects and permits a further reduction in the knowledge required to experiment with simulation models. This approach also automates model modification, not only through changes in numeric parameters, but through topological model changes as well, which may assist the model user in making many decisions throughout the different phases of simulation experimentation.

Despite the importance of innovation in construction, there is no structured approach to systematically support innovation. The theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ) provides a unique approach for structuring the development of innovative solutions for technical problems and has the potential for substantial results in construction innovation if used properly. This paper describes TRIZ and introduces its tools through applications in the field of utility tunnel construction. This paper describes how TRIZ tools can be used to generate conceptual solutions to a number of tunnel construction problems. In order to assess the practicality of the TRIZ analysis, the proposed solutions are compared to recent innovations in the field and actual solutions developed by experts. The comparison shows that although TRIZ tools were used by nonexperts in the tunneling field they included most of the features that exist in solutions developed by experts and were also able to point to technologies that are not yet widely used in the tunneling industry. The use of TRIZ in these applications showed that despite the advantages of the theory, further research and supporting tools are required to facilitate its day-to-day use in the construction industry.

Producing a schedule for industrial construction that optimizes resource utilization and meets the delivery dates of competing projects is a complicated task. The scheduler must consider several constraints and uncertainties including limited space, crew skill, and shipment processes in the module yard. This paper presents an integrated simulation-based scheduling framework that pulls the data from a database interface, runs the simulation model, and provides different graphical reports to the user. Although this model has been implemented successfully in the industry, some challenges are not yet solved. A distributed simulation system using High Level Architecture (HLA) is proposed to break down the simulation into a number of components to enhance the performance of the system. This system also helps to reuse these components in future projects and to facilitate the expansion of the model, enabling more complicated process simulations.

Heavy lifting in industrial construction involves the installation of prefabricated modules and equipment weighing up to 1000 tons. Placing a prefabricated module requires a specific crane with a minimum capacity and specific configurations and riggings. Site construction process should follow a certain sequence. If the required cranes are not available or the predecessor modules or structures are not built yet, the module has to be stored in a storage area. Prior to lifting a module, several supporting tasks must take place including adjusting the location, configuration, and rigging of the crane and preparing the ground beneath the crane. Therefore, planning multiple heavy lifts is a complex process. However, it has a significant impact on the cost, schedule and safety of the project. This study employs a simulation-based approach to produce a heavy lifting planning system for mobile cranes. This system assists the project manager and lift engineer in decisions regarding the selection of mobile cranes and their locations and configurations for different lifts. It also produces a schedule that reduces the total cost and enhances the schedule of the project. This system is under implementation on an industrial plant in the province of Alberta, Canada.