Comparison of two simulation methodologies in modeling construction systems : manufacturing-oriented PROMODEL vs. construction-oriented SDESA

Abstract

To facilitate the practice improvement by use of simulation tools in construction, the present research generalizes the main characteristics that differentiate a construction system from a manufacturing system in light of simulation modeling. The PROMODEL simulation platform which is influential and popular in manufacturing is chosen for (1) validating the newly developed construction simulation platform called SDESA (the Simplified Discrete-Event Simulation Approach); and (2) identifying the differences between manufacturing and construction simulations by applying PROMODEL alongside SDESA to typical construction systems. In modeling a simple earth-moving operation and a real site operation integrating concreting and waste handling practices, the validity of SDESA is cross checked by the established PROMODEL and SDESA is found to be more flexible and straightforward in addressing construction systems in terms of (1) representing vehicle-loop work flows, (2) modeling resource transit times between various locations on site, (3) deriving resource utilization rates, and (4) learning efforts and application time requirements. The comparisons made can be taken as guidance for helping construction practitioners (1) to distinguish the modeling needs between construction and manufacturing simulations and (2) to select the suitable simulation tools for practice improvement.