Gantt Resource Management System Applied to Construction by Mohammed Ali A thesis submitted ...

176 Pages·2015·3.8 MB·English

Gantt Resource Management System Applied to Construction

by

Mohammed Ali

A thesis submitted to the Graduate Faculty of
Auburn University
in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the Degree of
Master of Science

Auburn, Alabama
May 10, 2015

Keywords: Gantt Chart, Resource Management, Construction Scheduling, Lean Construction

Approved by

Larry G. Crowley, Chair, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering
Scott Kramer, Professor of Building Science
Wesley C. Zech, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering
Copyright © Mohammed A. Ali 2015
All Rights Reserved

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Abstract

The current scheduling techniques such as the Critical Path Method (CPM) do not
directly take resources (i.e. material, equipment, manpower) into consideration when producing
schedules. As a result resource requirements tend to build up throughout schedules and
subsequent conflicts frequently occur. And although contractors normally develop CPM
schedules at the planning stages, they frequently manage their project without significant
reliance on these schedules during construction. This thesis applies H.L. Gantt’s Resource
Management System (GRMS), a technique developed in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, to the
construction brickwork trade on a prototype construction project. This application is then used to
demonstrate the potential of the GRMS in addressing practical operational concerns dealing with
resource management. In addition, five evaluative criteria are developed and used in making a
comparison and contrast between the GRMS of resource management and the current technique
utilizing CPM. The results indicate the Gantt Resource Management System best fits the
necessary criteria for a successful resource management system.

ii
Acknowledgments

First of all, the author would like to thank God for all the things that He has done through
his life. The author also wishes to thank his parents for their endless love, prayers, and support.
Furthermore, the author would also like to thank Dr. Larry Crowley and the committee members
for their guidance throughout this process. Special thanks to Auburn University for creating an
environment that helps the students to excel and provide a family-like atmosphere. Finally, the
author would like to acknowledge Andrew Eiland, Michael Vrtis, and Miguel Diaz for their help
and encouragement.

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Table of Contents

Abstract ......................................................................................................................................... ii
Acknowledgments........................................................................................................................ iii
List of Figures .............................................................................................................................. ix
Chapter 1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Background ................................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Problem Statement ...................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Research Question ...................................................................................................... 6
1.4 Nature of the Study ..................................................................................................... 6
1.5 Research Tasks............................................................................................................ 6
1.6 Thesis Development Plan ........................................................................................... 7
Chapter 2 Literature Review ......................................................................................................... 8
2.1 Resource Allocation & Levelling ............................................................................... 8
2.1.1 Resource Allocation ............................................................................................. 9
2.1.2 Resource Levelling ............................................................................................ 10
2.1.2.1Traditional Method ...................................................................................... 11
2.1.2.2 Minimum Moment Method......................................................................... 12
2.2 Lean Construction ..................................................................................................... 13
2.2.1 Lean Philosophy Development .......................................................................... 13
2.2.2 Lean Adaptation to Construction ....................................................................... 15
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2.2.2.1 Lean Project Delivery SystemTM ................................................................ 18
2.2.2.2 Last Planner System® .................................................................................. 20
2.2.2.2.1 Master Schedule .................................................................................... 21
2.2.2.2.2 Look-Ahead Schedule ........................................................................... 21
2.2.2.2.3 Weekly Work Plan ................................................................................ 23
2.3 Gantt Work................................................................................................................ 24
2.3.1 Before the War .................................................................................................... 24
2.3.1.1 Consulting for Business .............................................................................. 24
2.3.1.1.1 Bethlehem Steel Company ..................................................................... 24
2.3.1.1.2 Remington Typewriter ........................................................................... 27
2.3.1.2 Consulting for Government ........................................................................ 28
2.3.2 World War I Era .................................................................................................. 29
2.4 Summary ................................................................................................................... 36
Chapter 3 Research Methodology ............................................................................................... 37
3.1 Gantt Resource Management System Components .................................................. 37
3.2 System Adaptation and Application to Construction................................................ 38
3.3 Comparison and Contrast .......................................................................................... 39
Chapter 4 Review of the Gantt Resource Management System ................................................. 40
4.1 Instruction Card ........................................................................................................ 40
4.2 General Chart Concepts ............................................................................................ 42
4.3 Machine Chart ........................................................................................................... 44
4.4 Man Chart ................................................................................................................. 47
4.5 Layout Chart ............................................................................................................. 51
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4.5.1 Stenographic Department Example .................................................................... 51
4.5.2 Machine Shop Example ...................................................................................... 52
4.6 Load Chart ................................................................................................................ 56
4.7 Progress Chart ........................................................................................................... 59
4.8 Summary ................................................................................................................... 65
Chapter 5 Application to Construction ....................................................................................... 66
5.1 Selected Construction Trade and Design Model ...................................................... 66
5.2 Motion Study ............................................................................................................ 67
5.3 Brickwork Project ..................................................................................................... 73
5.4 Gantt Resource Management Development ............................................................. 75
5.4.1 Instruction Cards ................................................................................................. 75
5.4.1.1 How to Build a Corner ................................................................................ 76
5.4.1.2 How to Build a Wall without Openings ...................................................... 82
5.4.1.3 How to Build a Curved Wall ...................................................................... 85
5.4.2 Scaffolding System ............................................................................................. 88
5.4.3 Preliminary Schedules ........................................................................................ 89
5.4.3.1 As-planned Schedule .................................................................................. 89
5.4.3.2 Machine Chart ............................................................................................. 91
5.4.3.3 Load Chart .................................................................................................. 91
5.4.3.4 Layout Chart ............................................................................................... 92
5.4.4 As-Performed Schedule ...................................................................................... 95
5.4.4.1 Absent Workman Scenario before Manager Action ................................... 95
5.4.4.2 Manager Actions to Reduce Idleness ........................................................ 102
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5.5 Summary ................................................................................................................. 105
Chapter 6 Comparison and Contrast ......................................................................................... 106
6.1 Resource Management System Criteria .................................................................. 106
6.2 Criteria Development and Discussion .................................................................... 106
6.2.1 Transparency ..................................................................................................... 106
6.2.2 Continuous Improvement.................................................................................. 109
6.2.3 Organizational Routine ..................................................................................... 112
6.2.4 Simplification .................................................................................................... 113
6.2.5 Dynamic ............................................................................................................ 115
6.3 Comparison and Contrast Analysis ......................................................................... 116
6.3.1 Transparency ..................................................................................................... 116
6.3.1.1 Gantt Resource Management System ....................................................... 116
6.3.1.2 CPM Scheduling ....................................................................................... 118
6.3.2 Continuous Improvement.................................................................................. 121
6.3.2.1 Gantt Resource Management System ....................................................... 120
6.3.2.2 CPM Scheduling ....................................................................................... 123
6.3.3 Routine .............................................................................................................. 126
6.3.3.1 Gantt Resource Management System ....................................................... 126
6.3.3.2 CPM Scheduling ....................................................................................... 127
6.3.4 Simplification .................................................................................................... 128
6.3.4.1 Gantt Resource Management System ...................................................... 128
6.3.4.2 CPM Scheduling ...................................................................................... 129
6.3.5 Dynamic Robust Predictive-Reactive Scheduling ............................................ 130
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6.3.5.1 Gantt Resource Management System ....................................................... 130
6.3.5.2 CPM Scheduling ....................................................................................... 130
6.4 Summary ................................................................................................................. 131
Chapter 7 Summary, Conclusion, and Suggestions for Future Research ................................. 133
7.1 Summary ................................................................................................................. 133
7.2 Conclusion .............................................................................................................. 135
7.3 Suggestions for Future Research ............................................................................ 136
References ............................................................................................................................... 138
Appendix A. Instruction Cards ................................................................................................. 144
Appendix B. As-performed Second Scenario ........................................................................... 158

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List of Figures

Figure 2.1 Representation of the Toyota Way ............................................................................ 15
Figure 2.2 Lean Project Delivery System ................................................................................... 18
Figure 2.3 Activity Definition Model ........................................................................................ 23
Figure 2.4 First Progress Chart ................................................................................................... 29
Figure 2.5 Movement Chart Example of Tanker “Vesta” ......................................................... 33
Figure 2.6 Ship Movement Chart ............................................................................................... 33
Figure 2.7 Ship Commodity Chart ............................................................................................. 35
Figure 4.1 Gantt Instruction Card used at Bethlehem Steel Company
(redrawn without alterations from Gantt 1902) .............................................................. 41
Figure 4.2 Gantt Chart Showing Daily Work Scheduled ........................................................... 42
Figure 4.3 Gantt Chart Showing Work Performed ..................................................................... 43
Figure 4.4 Gantt Chart Showing Performed Work Accomplished Daily and Weekly ............... 44
Figure 4.5 Chart Element Illustrating “Green Labor” cause of Idleness ................................... 44
Figure 4.6 Chart Element Illustrating “Repairs” cause of Idleness ............................................ 45
Figure 4.7 Machine Chart Example for a Shop Floor ................................................................ 46
Figure 4.8 Machine Chart Legend Enumerating Selectable Categories Causing Idleness ......... 47
Figure 4.9a Actual Work Performed Illustrated using Lightly Drawn Line .............................. 48
Figure 4.9b Chart Element Illustrating Work Performed without Prior Time Estimates ........... 48
Figure 10 Man Chart Legend Enumerating Selectable Categories Causing Idleness ................ 49
Figure 4.11 Man Chart Example for Shop Floor ....................................................................... 50
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