Application of simulation related techniques to construction operations

This paper presents some simulation-oriented techniques, particularly the resource allocation point (RAP) heuristic rule, for an activity-based construction (ABC) simulation that requires only one kind of element to model construction operations. RAP heuristic rule provides the simulation with the decision-making ability for allocating limited resources during simulation. Predefined entity management strategies control the movements of simulation entities so as to model some complex features of construction operations. An activity object-oriented (AOO) simulation strategy based on object-oriented approach for the implementation of the ABC simulation by regarding activities as objects controls the mechanism of the ABC simulation by checking only relevant activities at certain time, other than checking all activities for each simulation time unit. An easy-to-use animation aims at enhancing understanding of simulation and assisting modellers in verifying and validating model. © 2002 Blackwell Science Ltd.