Abstract

Abstract
Estimation of Mobile Crane Cycle Time to Improve the Accuracy of Modular-Based Heavy Construction Project Schedules

Ali Nikeghbali
Modular-based construction projects rely heavily on mobile cranes for lifting large quantities of materials. In recent years, these materials have become heavier and larger, and construction site layouts have become more and more congested; these factors significantly impact efficiency and productivity. In practice, on these large sites today, lift planning takes place using an intuitive approach which increases project cost and decreases productivity. A lack of comprehensive methods to identify influential factors on crane motion speeds and motion types leads to difficulties in evaluating the accurate work cycle of cranes. Therefore, addressing mobile crane cycle times during operations is critical to enhancing productivity and rapid reaction in projects. In order to improve mobile cranes’ cycle time project, the ability to accurately estimate the work cycle of mobile cranes is necessary. To address this need, this thesis proposes a methodology that involves five procedures: (i) model initiation to build up safety factor (SFs) and clearance functions; (ii) a lift analysis to study wind parameters and its effect on module shape, weight, and dimension; (iii) development of wind function; (iv) a model expansion to build up crane motion speeds function, and implementation of fuzzy if-then and inference system ; (v) time computation to estimate the crane cycle time. The proposed framework is proven effective by six case studies conducted on a large, congested industrial site. Accuracy in the case study’s project for mobile crane estimation of cycle time were increased.