Simulation-based, optimized scheduling of limited bar-benders over multiple building sites

In the construction industry, a specialist subcontractor manages a taskforce of single-skilled laborers to work on multiple construction sites, aiming to minimize the total cost and stay profitable and competitive. This paper presents a simulation-based approach to assist the subcontractor in scheduling the application of limited laborer resources to handle jobs over multiple concurring sites. Factoring in technological constraints, repetitive building cycles, alternative method options, and the limited quantity of skilled laborers, we resort to computer power (including simulation and optimization algorithms resulting from recent research) in search of the best combination of construction methods at individual sites along with the optimum size of labor force, aimed to find the least cost for completing the jobs at all sites. A case study of bar-bender scheduling over three sites by use of an in-house computer tool results in the optimum method combinations, the optimum crew size, and the optimum resource schedule.