An integrated decision support model for selecting the most feasible crane at heavy construction sites

Heavy industrial projects, especially oil refinery facilities, consist of numerous components such as modules and vessels, which are large, heavy, and long objects. The successful completion of these projects requires precise planning and selection of safe and efficient single- and/or tandem crane lifts, which are strongly influenced by the crane types and models used. Thus, selecting not only the best crane type and model, but also the most efficient crane operation among alternatives, can result in productivity and safety improvements. In this respect, this paper proposes an integrated decision support model which designs, simulates, and evaluates potential crane operations in accordance with feasible crane types and models based on equipment, cost, site, and environmental aspects of the project. The proposed methodology consists of two components: (1) 3D-based crane selection simulation, which enhances the process of crane selection by not only accurately verifying and identifying engineering factors, but also analyzing feasibility (procedures) of tandem and single-crane operations, from crane installation to lift completion and disassembly of the crane configuration, in a 3D environment; and (2) a crane selection matrix which calculates the crane evaluation scores by measuring various factors of each feasible crane against the project criteria and constraints. The methodology is tested in a case study in order to illustrate its effectiveness.