Tower cranes layout planning using agent-based simulation considering activity conflicts

The layout planning of tower cranes is a processes which defines the types, the quantities and the positions of tower cranes, has a significant impact on the overall productivity and cost effectiveness of construction projects. Previous research utilized either mathematical methods or visualization tools to find an optimal tower crane layout plan. However, such methods and tools are not adequate to evaluate the effect of conflict among tower cranes, in terms of time and cost calculations. Moreover, they do not assure the maximum efficiency of tower crane layout to fulfill the needs of crane-based executed activities. This paper presents an Agent Based Simulation (ABS) model to overcome the limitations of previous research. The proposed ABS model has the superiority of quantitatively assessing the effect of conflict on the overall time and costs of tower crane operations. It is capable of simulating tower cranes operations and interactions between different agents of the model. Furthermore, it calculates the time and the cost of tower crane's operation cycles, taking into account the potential conflicts among the working tower cranes. In addition, the proposed model is able to compare between several combinations of tower crane layouts to achieve the optimum solution that fulfills the requirements, with respect to the time or the cost. A case study has been provided to demonstrate the capabilities and contributions of the developed ABS model.