Advantages of the Activity Scanning Approach in

Modeling Complex Construction Processes

ABSTRACT

Construction processes are very complex and include

highly interdependent components subject to complex

activity startup conditions. A simulation language based

on activity cycle diagrams can express the logic of

complex simulation models very effectively. This paper

uses Stroboscope, a three-phase activity scanning

simulation language based on extended activity cycle

diagrams, to model the operations of a quarry. Although

simplified to allow a complete discussion within the

space limitations of this paper, this example is

representative of the complex nature of construction

operations.

AUTHORS

Julio C. Martinez and Photios G. Ioannou

Civil & Environmental Engineering Department

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2125, U.S.A.

e-mail: photios@umich.edu

KEYWORDS

STROBOSCOPE, construction, simulation, modeling, animation, quarry, drill, blast, rock, aggregate, resource, activity scanning, process interaction.

AVAILABILITY

Martinez, J.C., P.G. Ioannou, "Advantages of the Activity Scanning Approach in Modeling Complex Construction Processes," Proceedings, 1995 Winter Simulation Conference, 1024-1031, Washington, DC, December, 1995.