A chronographic protocol for modelling construction projects

Abstract

The main goal of graphical modelling is to communicate information clearly and effectively through graphical means. Little research has been undertaken in the domain of construction scheduling. It can be noted that there is no standard graphics protocol; therefore, it is up to each individual planner to set his or her own standard. This paper develops a new chronographical conceptual framework that describes all the elements required to perform construction operations, their processes, their logical constraints and their association and organisational models.The protocol studies the suitable visual parameters and their associated values in order to define a standard graphical presentation using shapes, sketches, codes, text, textures and colours. This protocol aims to overcome the current difficulties with graphical visualisation of the considerable amount of data needed for effective planning and to increase the effectiveness of visual research based on human visual habits. The validation process was performed using case studies that evaluated visual data and assessed the necessary mental effort required to find information on the schedule. The graphical convention of textures and colours has already been validated. The results have clearly demonstrated that this convention helps to simplify the process of searching for information on the schedule. Project modellingOver time, graphic modelling has become an essential tool for project managers. A model is a form of representation designed to aid in the visualisation of an item that cannot be observed directly, either because it has not yet been constructed or because it is abstract (Wideman, 2003). To construct a model, a class of phenomena is isolated and the reproduction of their behaviour is attempted using a certain number of hypotheses and laws (Legay, 1997). Being a simplification of reality, any model has its limitations. Thus, it is essential that the user be aware and be conscious of the validity of the results. Facing increasingly complex processes and procedures as well as multidisciplinary infrastructures, a model with a clear visualisation can facilitate the demonstration of the necessary information and becomes a useful tool for decision making. Karavakis et al. (2010) mention that the extraction of the desired data is facilitated when using simple graphical interfaces.Visual representation usually allows for faster data exploration and often provides better results, especially in cases where automatic algorithms fail (Keim, 2002). Graphs are understood differently than text -that is, the former is understood globally, whereas the latter is understood sequentially. In addition, graphs can act as both a type of artificial memory and as a research tool in that they allow for the simultaneous display of the general structure as well as the details and exceptions: they can show the leaves, the branches and the whole tree at the same time (Bertin, 2005). According to Friedman (2008), the main goal of data visualisation is to communicate information clea...

Chronographical Spatiotemporal Scheduling Optimization for Building Projects

“…Takt planning splits the project into zones that allow for linear Takt time and the continuity of work. Francis (Francis, 2004(Francis, , 2013(Francis, , 2016 developed the Chronographical concept for modeling project information. This concept allows for alternating from one visual approach to another via the manipulation of parameters.…”

“…The conceptual framework of the Chronographic standard protocol (Francis, 2016) defines the graphical protocol for physical (production) entities, their properties and logical constraints, which determine the relationships between these entities and the execution process. Physical entities can be arranged graphically using various organizational means of distinction, association, scales, and attributes.…”

“…In this way, graphic representation becomes a living, transformable image. The comprehensive results can be found in Francis (2013Francis ( , 2016.…”

“…The approach uses graphical modeling showing construction operations in the foreground and site spaces in the background (see Figure 5). It uses colors and attributes in accordance with the Chronographic protocol (Francis, 2016).…”

Dynamic 4D space planning using chronographical modeling

“…The Chronographical method [9,10,16] is a more complete graphical model for construction schedules. The Chronographical approach describes how schedule information can be communicated using tabular and graphical interfaces to manage specialties, locations, means, processes and constraints on different strata.…”