Resque: a Resource Based Simulation System for Construction Process Planning (Network, Allocation).

Abstract

RESQUE, a RESource based QUEueing network simulation system, was developed to model complex resource flows typical for construction processes. A RESQUE model consists of a process chart and a process detailing segment. A process chart is a network of four basic modeling elements which show operations and resource flows in the process. The chart is an excellent vehicle of communications, because it can be easily drawn and understood by construction people as well as planners. The process detailing segment is an overlay to the process chart. That is, the functional details of operations and resource flows (as shown in the process chart) are specified in this segment by using a set of PDL (Process Description Language) statements. The PDL statements provide a means of defining these process characteristics: (1) Resource Characterization. Each resource unit can have its own property which may affect operation behaviors. (2) Resource Calling. Operation resource requirements are defined. They can depend on specific resource properties. (3) Resource Holding. Operation cycle times are specified. They can be defined as r and om variables which depend on specific resource properties. (4) Resource H and ling. Operations h and le resources. H and ling patterns, such as assembling and disassembling, are defined. (5) Resource Routing. Resources, after they have been h and led at operations, can be routed according to different criteria. The criteria, such as properties and other conditions in the process model, are specified. As a result, the resource (property) dependent nature of a construction process can be realistically defined. The process detailing segment also provides a feasible interface to the computerized RESQUE simulator which predicts process performance according to the input. Different process alternatives can be defined and simulated by modifying the PDL statements in the process detailing segment while maintaining the simplicity of the process chart. In addition to construction processes, RESQUE can model any processes which are sensitive to resource availabilities and resource properties. The RESQUE system also provides a framework for future extensions which will lead to new dimensions in network based simulations.