Construction Simulation & Analysis

Construction Engineering and Management

There are many factors to consider when selecting appropriate equipment for construction projects. A simulation system was developed by integrating an expert system with popular construction simulation software. It assists the user in:

• Selecting a suitable piece of earth moving equipment (scraper versus truck, shovel versus bulldozer) under a given set of job conditions
• Selecting an appropriate simulation file
• Performing simulation analysis and outputs cost and production rates

Two expert system routines were developed. The first routine is an expert system that helps to select the most appropriate loading and hauling system based on project conditions. The second routine allows the user to choose a specific equipment model. Both modules are placed in a batch file and are activated sequentially. For example, if the first expert system suggests a conventional scraper for the job, the second module allows the user to choose a specific model such as a CAT 651E. It then provides the simulation program with cycle time, capacity, and cost information for this model. The expert system provides a simplified front-end to the simulation package that enables the user (i.e.construction engineer) to perform simulation analysis without having to be an expert in simulation modeling.