Hierarchical task network approach for time and budget constrained construction project planning
Abstract
Completing a construction project on time and within budget is of great importance in the construction industry. To achieve this goal, a construction plan satisfying the time and cost constraints is crucial. While a rich amount of literature on the time-cost trade-off scheduling and time/cost optimization scheduling has been presented, developing a construction plan for the time and cost-constrained construction project has not been fully explored. This study presented a hierarchical task network (HTN) based construction planning model to fill this gap. First of all, a knowledge formalism catering to the HTN planning was provided to accommodate the construction planning knowledge. Then, the planning process was explained in detail, including temporal reasoning used to sequence the construction activities, and backtracking evasion mechanism used to avoid the trouble of backtracking due to inappropriate selection of execution modes for construction activities. Finally, two sets of comparisons based on a fictional construction project were performed, the results of which demonstrate that the time and budget constraints have an impact on the section of execution modes for construction methods, and the proposed planning model can develop construction plan that satisfies the specified deadline and budget limitations effectively regardless of the existing of backtracking.
First published online 8 April 2019
Keyword : construction planning, project deadline, budget limitation, hierarchical task network planning
How to Cite
Liu, D., Wang, H.- wei, Li, H., Wang, J., & Khallaf, M. (2019). Hierarchical task network approach for time and budget constrained construction project planning. Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 25(3), 472-495. https://doi.org/10.3846/tede.2019.9384
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
References
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Faghihi, V., Nejat, A., Reinschmidt, K. F., & Kang, J. H. (2015). Automation in construction scheduling: a review of the literature. The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 81(9-12), 1845-1856. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-015-7339-0
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Olawale, Y. A., & Sun, M. (2010). Cost and time control of construction projects: inhibiting factors and mitigating measures in practice. Construction Management and Economics, 28(5), 509-526. https://doi.org/10.1080/01446191003674519
Qi, C., Wang, D., Muñoz-Avila, H., Zhao, P., & Wang, H. (2017). Hierarchical task network planning with resources and temporal constraints. Knowledge-Based Systems, 133, 17-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.knosys.2017.06.036
Ryu, H.-G., Lee, H.-S., & Park, M. (2007). Construction planning method using case-based reasoning (CONPLA-CBR). Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 21(6), 410-422. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0887-3801(2007)21:6(410)
Shaked, O., & Warszawski, A. (1995). Knowledge-based system for construction planning of high-rise buildings. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 121(2), 172-182. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(1995)121:2(172)
Tah, J. H. ., Carr, V., & Howes, R. (1999). Information modelling for case-based construction planning of highway bridge projects. Advances in Engineering Software, 30(7), 495-509. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0965-9978(98)00128-8
Tah, J. H. M., Carr, V., & Howes, R. (1998). An application of case-based reasoning to the planning of highway bridge construction. Engineering Construction and Architectural Management, 5(4), 327-338. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-232X.1998.54069.x
Urizar, M., & Halim, E.-S. A. (2015). Construction supervision QC + HSE management in practice: quality control, OHS, and environmental performance reference guide. Gordon NSW: Xlibris AU.
Van Beek, P. (2006). Backtracking search algorithms. Foundations of Artificial Intelligence, 2, 85-134. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1574-6526(06)80008-8
Vanhoucke, M. (2018). Planning projects with scarce resources: Yesterday, today and tomorrow’s research challenge. Frontiers of Engineering Management, 5(2), 133-149. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FEM-2018088
Xu, K., & Muñoz-Avila, H. (2008). CaBMA: A case-based reasoning system for capturing, refining, and reusing project plans. Knowledge and Information Systems, 15(2), 215-232. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10115-007-0077-3
Zhang, Y., Ding, L., & Love, P. E. D. (2017). Planning of deep foundation construction technical specifications using improved case-based reasoning with weighted k-nearest neighbors. Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 31(5), 04017029. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CP.1943-5487.0000682
Zhou, J., Love, P. E. D., Wang, X., Teo, K. L., & Irani, Z. (2013). A review of methods and algorithms for optimizing construction scheduling. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 64(8), 1091-1105. https://doi.org/10.1057/jors.2012.174
Zozaya-Gorostiza, C., Hendrickson, C., & Rehak, D. R. (1989). Knowledge-based process planning for construction and manufacturing. Knowledge-based process planning for construction and manufacturing. San Diego, CA, USA: Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-781900-6.X5001-7
An, S.-M., Woo, S., Cho, C.-S., & Lee, S. (2017). Development of budget-constrained rescheduling method in mega construction project. KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering, 21(1), 85-93. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-016-0966-7
Benjamin, C. O., Babcock, D. L., Yunus, N. B., & Kincaid, J. (1990). Knowledge-based prototype for improving scheduling productivity. Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 4(2), 124-134. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0887-3801(1990)4:2(124)
Dzeng, R.-J., & Tommelein, I. D. (1997). Boiler erection scheduling using product models and case-based reasoning. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 123(3), 338-347. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(1997)123:3(338)
Dzeng, R.-J., & Tommelein, I. D. (2004). Product modeling to support case-based construction planning and scheduling. Automation in Construction, 13(3), 341-360. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2003.10.002
Echeverry, D., Ibbs, C. W., & Kim, S. (1991). Sequencing knowledge for construction scheduling. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 117(1), 118-130. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(1991)117:1(118)
Faghihi, V., Nejat, A., Reinschmidt, K. F., & Kang, J. H. (2015). Automation in construction scheduling: a review of the literature. The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 81(9-12), 1845-1856. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-015-7339-0
Fischer, M. A., & Aalami, F. (1996). Scheduling with computer-interpretable construction method models. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 122(4), 337-347. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(1996)122:4(337)
Ghallab, M., Nau, D., & Traverso, P. (2004). Chapter 11 - hierarchical task network planning. In M. Ghallab, D. Nau, & P. Traverso (Eds.), Automated Planning (pp. 229-261). Burlington: Morgan Kaufmann.
Hendrickson, C., & Au, T. (1989). Project management for construction: Fundamental concepts for owners, engineers, architects, and builders. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall.
Hendrickson, C., Zozaya-Gorostiza, C., Rehak, D., Baracco-Miller, E., & Lim, P. (1987). Expert system for construction planning. Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 1(4), 253-269. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0887-3801(1987)1:4(253)
Hu, X., Xia, B., Skitmore, M., & Chen, Q. (2016). The application of case-based reasoning in construction management research: An overview. Automation in Construction, 72, 65-74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2016.08.023
Jägbeck, A. (1994). MDA planner: interactive planning tool using product models and construction methods. Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 8(4), 536-554. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0887-3801(1994)8:4(536)
Kannimuthu, M., Ekambaram, P., Raphael, B., & Kuppuswamy, A. (2018). Resource unconstrained and constrained project scheduling problems and practices in a multiproject environment. Advances in Civil Engineering, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/9579273
Kartam, N. A., & Levitt, R. E. (1990). Intelligent planning of construction projects. Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 4(2), 155-176. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0887-3801(1990)4:2(155)
Kartam, N. A., Levitt, R. E., & Wilkins, D. E. (1991). Extending artificial intelligence techniques for hierarchical planning. Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 5(4), 464-477. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0887-3801(1991)5:4(464)
Lee, K. J., Kim, H. W., Lee, J. K., & Kim, T. H. (1998). Case-and constraint-based project planning for apartment construction. AI Magazine, 19(1), 13-24. https://doi.org/10.1609/aimag.v19i1.1350
Liu, D., Wang, H., Qi, C., Zhao, P., & Wang, J. (2016). Hierarchical task network-based emergency task planning with incomplete information, concurrency and uncertain duration. Knowledge-Based Systems, 112, 67-79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.knosys.2016.08.029
Nau, D. S. (2007, December 15). Current trends in automated planning. AI Magazine, 28, 43-58. https://doi.org/10.1609/aimag.v28i4.2067
Nau, D. S., Au, T.-C., Ilghami, O., Kuter, U., Murdock, J. W., Wu, D., & Yaman, F. (2003). SHOP2: An HTN planning system. Journal of Artificial Intelligence Research, 20, 379-404. https://doi.org/10.1613/jair.1141
Olawale, Y. A., & Sun, M. (2010). Cost and time control of construction projects: inhibiting factors and mitigating measures in practice. Construction Management and Economics, 28(5), 509-526. https://doi.org/10.1080/01446191003674519
Qi, C., Wang, D., Muñoz-Avila, H., Zhao, P., & Wang, H. (2017). Hierarchical task network planning with resources and temporal constraints. Knowledge-Based Systems, 133, 17-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.knosys.2017.06.036
Ryu, H.-G., Lee, H.-S., & Park, M. (2007). Construction planning method using case-based reasoning (CONPLA-CBR). Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 21(6), 410-422. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0887-3801(2007)21:6(410)
Shaked, O., & Warszawski, A. (1995). Knowledge-based system for construction planning of high-rise buildings. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 121(2), 172-182. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(1995)121:2(172)
Tah, J. H. ., Carr, V., & Howes, R. (1999). Information modelling for case-based construction planning of highway bridge projects. Advances in Engineering Software, 30(7), 495-509. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0965-9978(98)00128-8
Tah, J. H. M., Carr, V., & Howes, R. (1998). An application of case-based reasoning to the planning of highway bridge construction. Engineering Construction and Architectural Management, 5(4), 327-338. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-232X.1998.54069.x
Urizar, M., & Halim, E.-S. A. (2015). Construction supervision QC + HSE management in practice: quality control, OHS, and environmental performance reference guide. Gordon NSW: Xlibris AU.
Van Beek, P. (2006). Backtracking search algorithms. Foundations of Artificial Intelligence, 2, 85-134. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1574-6526(06)80008-8
Vanhoucke, M. (2018). Planning projects with scarce resources: Yesterday, today and tomorrow’s research challenge. Frontiers of Engineering Management, 5(2), 133-149. https://doi.org/10.15302/J-FEM-2018088
Xu, K., & Muñoz-Avila, H. (2008). CaBMA: A case-based reasoning system for capturing, refining, and reusing project plans. Knowledge and Information Systems, 15(2), 215-232. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10115-007-0077-3
Zhang, Y., Ding, L., & Love, P. E. D. (2017). Planning of deep foundation construction technical specifications using improved case-based reasoning with weighted k-nearest neighbors. Journal of Computing in Civil Engineering, 31(5), 04017029. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CP.1943-5487.0000682
Zhou, J., Love, P. E. D., Wang, X., Teo, K. L., & Irani, Z. (2013). A review of methods and algorithms for optimizing construction scheduling. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 64(8), 1091-1105. https://doi.org/10.1057/jors.2012.174
Zozaya-Gorostiza, C., Hendrickson, C., & Rehak, D. R. (1989). Knowledge-based process planning for construction and manufacturing. Knowledge-based process planning for construction and manufacturing. San Diego, CA, USA: Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-781900-6.X5001-7