Distributed agent-based simulation of construction projects with HLA

Simulation techniques can provide a resource-driven schedule and answer many hypothetical scenarios before project execution to improve on conventional project management software applications for large-scale construction projects. However, the current process of simulation and optimization of resource utilization is a time consuming process especially for large-scale projects. This study employs High Level Architecture (HLA) to develop distributed agent based simulation models. These models are composed of several individual modeling components (federates) that can cooperate with each other for the simulation model (interoperability). These federates are developed in a generic way for reuse on future construction projects. A number of agent-based federates are considered for managing various aspects of the project and to enhance the performance of the simulation model. This framework is illustrated using two case studies, module assembly yard and tower crane, that investigate the feasibility of the proposed approach.