The Development of a Concept for a Dutch Construction System for High-Rise Buildings

Abstract

Abstract-During the eighties, the construction industry in Japan was in trouble. The image was bad, too many fatal accidents happened on the construction sites and craftsmen preferred to work in other industries. In addition, the space for constructing high-rise buildings was minimal, especially in the big cities. This is why in the nineties, the leading Japanese construction firms started to develop and use mechanised and even automated construction systems for high-rise buildings. In the Netherlands, only one experiment (Delftse Poort) with a comparable construction system is known to exist. Dutch contracting company Ballast Nedam has built a residential building called Westpoint, which is 111 meters high. It was built in a traditional way. This was a chance to erect this building using particular a construction system, but in the preparation phase, the process designers had too little insight into the costs, production time and risks, so they decided to build it in a traditional way. Now the building is ready, a simulation has been made of the production process involving the use of an automated construction system. This paper provides the results of this study.

A Simulation Based Approach for Designing Optimum Configuration of Complex Processes Influencing Project Level Decisions in Construction Industry

“…Simulation techniques allow design of mathematical-logical models of a real world system and experimentation with different alternatives on the computer. It provides a basis for scenario analysis of the project in real time [9].…”

“…In the life cycle project management model (LCPM), such objectives are known as the Life Cycle Objective Functions (LCOFs) [9] [10]. LCPM focuses a set of business and strategic objectives for decision making throughout the project life cycle.…”

“…The process of selecting best project option is facilitated by the simulation technology. The projects are broken down in smaller products and process models are constructed incorporating operational scenarios for simulation analysis [8] [9]. The outcome of simulation forms the basis for evaluation of the suboptimal configuration against the target LCOFs of the project.…”

“…Process simulation capability facilitates optimising project's investments decisions within the LCPM framework [9]. Simulation methodology supports proactive management of the project and product, particularly with respect to LCOFs.…”

“…The approach provides a platform for real time project definition based on technical, functional and operational aspects of the project. Simulation modelling works as a unique management tool for effective front-end planning of capital projects [9]. Simulation modelling is seen as a means of continuous project definition that reduces the overall uncertainty associated with the project.…”