Improving construction material and equipment logistics via simulation

The present project demonstrates a way to improve construction processes, with improvement understood in termsof increased productivity. To achieve this objective, the research presented here relies on discrete event simulationmodels to analyze transportation logistics, as well as distribution and storage of structure- and foundation-relatedmaterials for two reinforced-concrete buildings in Bogota, Colombia. Analysis of the case study can be dividedinto three phases. In the first, construction processes were characterized, and a field study was conducted via datacollection and video/photo recordings. In the second, simulation models were created for the real scenario, withdeficiencies and opportunities for model improvement diagnosed and different theoretical scenarios proposed. Inthe third and final phase, these theoretical scenarios were compared using models to determine their strengthsor weaknesses versus the real construction scenario. Based on the comparative study carried out, discrete eventsimulation allowed for the integration and behavioral observation of all variables affecting the construction process.As a result, deficiencies became conspicuous; in turn, improvements were readily identified in order to establish thebest scenario from a cost-benefit perspective.