Time-Cost-Quality Trade-off Software by using Simplified Genetic Algorithm for Typical Repetitive Construction Projects
Time-Cost Optimization "TCO" is one of the greatest challenges in construction project planning and control, since the optimization of either time or cost, would usually be at the expense of the other. Since there is a hidden trade-off relationship between project and cost, it might be difficult to predict whether the total cost would increase or decrease as a result of the schedule compression. Recently third dimension in trade-off analysis is taken into consideration that is quality of the projects. Few of the existing algorithms are applied in a case of construction project with threedimensional trade-off analysis, Time-Cost-Quality relationships. The objective of this paper is to presents the development of a practical software system; that named Automatic Multi-objective Typical Construction Resource Optimization System "AMTCROS". This system incorporates the basic concepts of Line Of Balance "LOB" and Critical Path Method "CPM" in a multi-objective Genetic Algorithms "GAs" model. The main objective of this system is to provide a practical support for typical construction planners who need to optimize resource utilization in order to minimize project cost and duration while maximizing its quality simultaneously. The application of these research developments in planning the typical construction projects holds a strong promise to: 1) Increase the efficiency of resource use in typical construction projects; 2) Reduce construction duration period; 3) Minimize construction cost (direct cost plus indirect cost); and 4) Improve the quality of newly construction projects. A general description of the proposed software for the Time-Cost-Quality Trade-Off "TCQTO" is presented. The main inputs and outputs of the proposed software are outlined. The main subroutines and the inference engine of this software are detailed. The complexity analysis of the software is discussed. In addition, the verification, and complexity of the proposed software are proved and tested using a real case study.
[1] Hassanen M. M. (1994). "Construction Project Delivery Systems" M.
Sc., thesis, Dep. of Civ. Eng., Zagazig University, Egypt.
[2] Duncan W. R. (1987). "A Guide to the Project Management Body of
Knowledge" Project Management Institute, North Carolina, U.S.A.
[3] Abdel-Razek R. H. (1996). "Improving Construction Quality in Egypt a
Consensus View" Proc., 5th Int. Symposium: Engineering Management,
International Project Management Association and Management
Engineering Society, Cairo, Egypt, Vol. 2, Session 18.1, pp 1-10.
[4] Abdel-Razek R. H. (1997a). "Construction Quality: How Could We
Improve It?" Proceedings of the 3rd Alexandria Conference on
Structural and Geotechnical Engineering, Egypt.
[5] Abdel-Razek R. H. (1997b). "How to Improve Quality in Contracting
Companies: A Case Study" Proceedings of the 3rd Alexandria
Conference on Structural and Geotechnical Engineering, Egypt.
[6] Osman I., and Abdel-Razek R. H. (1996). "TQM-Based performance
Measurement System: An Implementation Strategy" Cairo First
International Conference on Concrete Structures, Faculty of
Engineering, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt, pp. 5-13.
[7] Abdel-Razek R. H. (1998b). "Quality Improvement in Egypt,
Methodology and Implementation" Journal of Construction Engineering
and Management, ASCE, 124 (5), 354-360.
[8] Abdel-Razek R. H. (1998a). "Factors affecting construction quality in
Egypt: identification and relative importance" Journal of Engineering,
Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 5 (3), pp 220-227.
[9] Abdel-Razek R. H., EI-Dessouki A., and Soliman A. (2000). "Measuring
the Quality of Construction" Proceeding of the Inter-Build Colloquium,
Cairo, Egypt.
[10] Abdel-Razek R. H., and Hammam M. (2002). "Evaluating the Cost of
Poor Quality: A Case Study" Proceeding of the Inter-Build Colloquium,
Cairo, Egypt.
[11] Feng C., Liu L., and Burns S. A. (1997). "Using Genetic Algorithms To
Solve Construction Time-Cost Trade-Off Problems" J. Comp. In Civ.
Engrg., ASCE, 11 (3), 184-189.
[12] Marzouk M., and Moselhi O. (2004). "Multiobjective Optimization of
Earthmoving Operations" J. Constr. Engrg. and Mgmt., ASCE, 130 (1),
105-113.
[13] Zheng D. X., Ng S. T., and Kumaraswamy M. M. (2004). "Applying a
Genetic Algorithm-Based Multi-objective Approach for Time-Cost
Optimization" J. Constr. Engrg. and Mgmt., ASCE, 130 (2), 168-176.
[14] Zheng D. X., Ng S. T., and Kumaraswamy M. M. (2005a). "Applying
Pareto Ranking and Niche Formation to Genetic Algorithm-Based
Multiobjective Time-Cost Optimization" J. Constr. Engrg. and Mgmt.,
ASCE, 131 (1), 81-91.
[15] Zheng D. X., and Ng S. T. (2005b). "Stochastic Time-Cost Optimization
Mode Incorporating Fuzzy Sets Theory and Nonreplaceable Front" J.
Constr. Engrg. and Mgmt., ASCE, 131 (2), 176-1
[16] Senouci A., and Al-Derham H. (2008). "Genetic algorithm-based multiobjective
model for scheduling of linear construction projects" Advances
in Engineering Software, 39, 1023-1028. journal homepage:
www.elsevier.com/locate/advengsoft
[17] Hafez S. M., Korish I. E., Elwany M. H., and Barakat M. A. (1997).
"Time Cost Trade-off in Repetitive Projects" Alexandria Engineering
Journal, Vol. 36 (1), pp. C39-C47.
[18] Babu G., and Suresh N. (1996). "Project management with time, cost,
and quality considerations" European J. Operations Research, (88), 320-
327.
[19] Khang D. B., and Myint Y. M. (1999). "Time, cost and quality trade-off
in project management: a case study" International Journal of Project
Management, 17, (4), 249-256.
[20] El-Rayes K., and Kandil A. (2005). "Time-Cost-Quality Trade-Off
Analysis for Highway Construction" J. Comp. In Civ. Engrg., ASCE,
131 (4), 477-486.
[21] Tareghian H. R., and Taheri S. H. (2006). "On the Discrete Time, Cost,
and Quality Trade-off Problem" Applied Mathematics and Computation,
181, 1305-1312.
[22] Taheri S. H., and Tareghian H. R. (2007). "A solution procedure for the
discrete time, cost and quality trade off problem using electromagnetic
scatter search" Applied Mathematics and Computation, (182), 305-312.
[23] Afshar a., Kavek A., and Shoghli O., (2007). "Multi-Objective
Optimization of Time-Cost-Quality Using Multi-Colony Ant algorithm"
Asian J. of Civil Eng. (Building and Housing), 8 (2), 113-124.
[24] Rahimi M., and Iranmanesh H. (2008). "Multi Objective Particle Swarm
Optimization for Time, Cost and Quality Trade-off Problem" World
Applied Sciences J., 4 (2), 270-276.
[25] Iranmanesh H., Skandari M., and Allahverdilloo M., (2008). "Finding
Pareto Optimal Front for the Multi-Mode Time, Cost Quality Trade-off
in Project Scheduling" Proceedings of World Academy of Science,
Engineering and Technology, 30, 1307-6884.
[1] Hassanen M. M. (1994). "Construction Project Delivery Systems" M.
Sc., thesis, Dep. of Civ. Eng., Zagazig University, Egypt.
[2] Duncan W. R. (1987). "A Guide to the Project Management Body of
Knowledge" Project Management Institute, North Carolina, U.S.A.
[3] Abdel-Razek R. H. (1996). "Improving Construction Quality in Egypt a
Consensus View" Proc., 5th Int. Symposium: Engineering Management,
International Project Management Association and Management
Engineering Society, Cairo, Egypt, Vol. 2, Session 18.1, pp 1-10.
[4] Abdel-Razek R. H. (1997a). "Construction Quality: How Could We
Improve It?" Proceedings of the 3rd Alexandria Conference on
Structural and Geotechnical Engineering, Egypt.
[5] Abdel-Razek R. H. (1997b). "How to Improve Quality in Contracting
Companies: A Case Study" Proceedings of the 3rd Alexandria
Conference on Structural and Geotechnical Engineering, Egypt.
[6] Osman I., and Abdel-Razek R. H. (1996). "TQM-Based performance
Measurement System: An Implementation Strategy" Cairo First
International Conference on Concrete Structures, Faculty of
Engineering, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt, pp. 5-13.
[7] Abdel-Razek R. H. (1998b). "Quality Improvement in Egypt,
Methodology and Implementation" Journal of Construction Engineering
and Management, ASCE, 124 (5), 354-360.
[8] Abdel-Razek R. H. (1998a). "Factors affecting construction quality in
Egypt: identification and relative importance" Journal of Engineering,
Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 5 (3), pp 220-227.
[9] Abdel-Razek R. H., EI-Dessouki A., and Soliman A. (2000). "Measuring
the Quality of Construction" Proceeding of the Inter-Build Colloquium,
Cairo, Egypt.
[10] Abdel-Razek R. H., and Hammam M. (2002). "Evaluating the Cost of
Poor Quality: A Case Study" Proceeding of the Inter-Build Colloquium,
Cairo, Egypt.
[11] Feng C., Liu L., and Burns S. A. (1997). "Using Genetic Algorithms To
Solve Construction Time-Cost Trade-Off Problems" J. Comp. In Civ.
Engrg., ASCE, 11 (3), 184-189.
[12] Marzouk M., and Moselhi O. (2004). "Multiobjective Optimization of
Earthmoving Operations" J. Constr. Engrg. and Mgmt., ASCE, 130 (1),
105-113.
[13] Zheng D. X., Ng S. T., and Kumaraswamy M. M. (2004). "Applying a
Genetic Algorithm-Based Multi-objective Approach for Time-Cost
Optimization" J. Constr. Engrg. and Mgmt., ASCE, 130 (2), 168-176.
[14] Zheng D. X., Ng S. T., and Kumaraswamy M. M. (2005a). "Applying
Pareto Ranking and Niche Formation to Genetic Algorithm-Based
Multiobjective Time-Cost Optimization" J. Constr. Engrg. and Mgmt.,
ASCE, 131 (1), 81-91.
[15] Zheng D. X., and Ng S. T. (2005b). "Stochastic Time-Cost Optimization
Mode Incorporating Fuzzy Sets Theory and Nonreplaceable Front" J.
Constr. Engrg. and Mgmt., ASCE, 131 (2), 176-1
[16] Senouci A., and Al-Derham H. (2008). "Genetic algorithm-based multiobjective
model for scheduling of linear construction projects" Advances
in Engineering Software, 39, 1023-1028. journal homepage:
www.elsevier.com/locate/advengsoft
[17] Hafez S. M., Korish I. E., Elwany M. H., and Barakat M. A. (1997).
"Time Cost Trade-off in Repetitive Projects" Alexandria Engineering
Journal, Vol. 36 (1), pp. C39-C47.
[18] Babu G., and Suresh N. (1996). "Project management with time, cost,
and quality considerations" European J. Operations Research, (88), 320-
327.
[19] Khang D. B., and Myint Y. M. (1999). "Time, cost and quality trade-off
in project management: a case study" International Journal of Project
Management, 17, (4), 249-256.
[20] El-Rayes K., and Kandil A. (2005). "Time-Cost-Quality Trade-Off
Analysis for Highway Construction" J. Comp. In Civ. Engrg., ASCE,
131 (4), 477-486.
[21] Tareghian H. R., and Taheri S. H. (2006). "On the Discrete Time, Cost,
and Quality Trade-off Problem" Applied Mathematics and Computation,
181, 1305-1312.
[22] Taheri S. H., and Tareghian H. R. (2007). "A solution procedure for the
discrete time, cost and quality trade off problem using electromagnetic
scatter search" Applied Mathematics and Computation, (182), 305-312.
[23] Afshar a., Kavek A., and Shoghli O., (2007). "Multi-Objective
Optimization of Time-Cost-Quality Using Multi-Colony Ant algorithm"
Asian J. of Civil Eng. (Building and Housing), 8 (2), 113-124.
[24] Rahimi M., and Iranmanesh H. (2008). "Multi Objective Particle Swarm
Optimization for Time, Cost and Quality Trade-off Problem" World
Applied Sciences J., 4 (2), 270-276.
[25] Iranmanesh H., Skandari M., and Allahverdilloo M., (2008). "Finding
Pareto Optimal Front for the Multi-Mode Time, Cost Quality Trade-off
in Project Scheduling" Proceedings of World Academy of Science,
Engineering and Technology, 30, 1307-6884.
@article{"International Journal of Architectural, Civil and Construction Sciences:64732", author = "Refaat H. Abd El Razek and Ahmed M. Diab and Sherif M. Hafez and Remon F. Aziz", title = "Time-Cost-Quality Trade-off Software by using Simplified Genetic Algorithm for Typical Repetitive Construction Projects", abstract = "Time-Cost Optimization "TCO" is one of the greatest challenges in construction project planning and control, since the optimization of either time or cost, would usually be at the expense of the other. Since there is a hidden trade-off relationship between project and cost, it might be difficult to predict whether the total cost would increase or decrease as a result of the schedule compression. Recently third dimension in trade-off analysis is taken into consideration that is quality of the projects. Few of the existing algorithms are applied in a case of construction project with threedimensional trade-off analysis, Time-Cost-Quality relationships. The objective of this paper is to presents the development of a practical software system; that named Automatic Multi-objective Typical Construction Resource Optimization System "AMTCROS". This system incorporates the basic concepts of Line Of Balance "LOB" and Critical Path Method "CPM" in a multi-objective Genetic Algorithms "GAs" model. The main objective of this system is to provide a practical support for typical construction planners who need to optimize resource utilization in order to minimize project cost and duration while maximizing its quality simultaneously. The application of these research developments in planning the typical construction projects holds a strong promise to: 1) Increase the efficiency of resource use in typical construction projects; 2) Reduce construction duration period; 3) Minimize construction cost (direct cost plus indirect cost); and 4) Improve the quality of newly construction projects. A general description of the proposed software for the Time-Cost-Quality Trade-Off "TCQTO" is presented. The main inputs and outputs of the proposed software are outlined. The main subroutines and the inference engine of this software are detailed. The complexity analysis of the software is discussed. In addition, the verification, and complexity of the proposed software are proved and tested using a real case study.
", keywords = "Project management, typical (repetitive) large scale projects, line of balance, multi-objective optimization, genetic algorithms, time-cost-quality trade-offs.", volume = "4", number = "1", pages = "27-10", }
