Using DSM for modeling information flow in construction design projects

Abstract

Construction design projects are multi-disciplinary requiring input from several players including planners and design professionals. Project managers have developed techniques for planning, organizing, monitoring, and optimizing complex design projects. The critical path method (CPM) is traditionally the most commonly used to address these issues. Various techniques have been added to CPM like splitting the activities to optimize project duration. However, the CPM approach is based on workflow and is not effective in handling the iterative process characterizing design projects. Also, while CPM can effectively handle sequential and parallel activities, it cannot handle coupled activities. The design structure matrix (DSM) approach differs from CPM in that it represents information flows in addition to workflows in a project. The DSM method can handle sequential, parallel, in addition to coupled activities. In this article, an algorithm has been developed based on a combined DSM and CPM methodology. The main objective of algorithm is to optimize the planning of design projects. A new concept has been introduced in the paper termed the ‘Trigger Value Matrix.’ The objective of the trigger value matrix is monitoring changes made in a multi-disciplinary design process as these changes can potentially lead to increased costs and durations. The application of the combined DSM–CPM and the trigger value matrix has been incorporated in a software tool (DSMPM V1.0) that can be used by design companies. Using DSMPM, management focuses on the essential information transfer requirements in the project thereby minimizing rework, and improving throughput and design quality.

Keywords:

• DSM
• Coupled activity
• Trigger value
• Design

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the Center for Advanced Transportation Simulation Systems (CATSS) for sponsoring this research. Also, special thanks to TLC Engineers in Orlando, Florida, (http://www.tlc-engineers.com) for their major contributions to this research.