An optimization-based model for maximizing the benefits of fast-track construction activities

Abstract

Fast-track construction projects have become more popular in recent years in response to growing industry demand. By allowing downstream construction activities to start with incomplete information from upstream design activities, fast-tracking (through overlapping) allows for shorter project duration at the expense of potential rework. This leaves practitioners with the challenge of determining the optimal fast-tracking strategy to meet project schedule requirements while avoiding excessive amounts of rework. This paper presents an optimization-based model that serves as a decision support tool in scheduling fast-track construction activities. The model takes into consideration information exchange between upstream and downstream activities and uses the concepts of sensitivity and evolution to maximize the net benefits of fast-tracking. The model is illustrated on an ongoing construction project, which was analysed under various overlapping scenarios. The results indicate substantial time savings depending on the speed of evolution and sensitivity. The project schedule can be shortened by up to 50 days without causing excessive amounts of rework.

Keywords:

• fast-tracking
• overlapping
• construction
• sensitivity and evolution
• rework
• optimization

Acknowledgements

The research team thanks the American University Of Beirut's University Review Board for funding this study and Dr Faith Jordan Srour (Ludders) for her editorial advice.

Notes

1 Time difference between the start dates of two consecutive upstream or downstream activities.