| dc.description.abstract | Computer simulation is a valuable management tool which is well suited to the study of resource driven construction processes. It gives the analyst an insight into resource interaction and assists in identifying which factors in a problem domain are important. Simulation allows the modeler to experiment with and evaluate different scenarios. Normally, such experimentation and study would be too costly to be carried out in the real world. Interests have been generated since the introduction of CYCLONE methodology by Halpin in 1973, and been increasing with the development of many Windows-based construction simulation systems such as the COOPS, the DISCO, the Stroboscope, the SimCon, the Simphony. Numerous studies have been conducted to analyze the variety of construction operations including earth moving, pavement, tunneling, segmental construction of an elevated structure, and concrete placement in a high-rise building. The cyclic as well as the complex and dynamic aspects of construction operations make computer simulation a promising technique for the engineering analysis. Nevertheless, accessibility and usability of computer simulation techniques at the practitioner level create a barrier for its application. The practitioners who are conversant with construction operations frequently may see the use of simulation as ＂too difficult.＂ Efforts need to be devoted to improving existing simulation systems, particularly the modeling elements, to facilitate their use in construction. This research is to study the various sets of modeling elements employed in the existing construction simulation systems, and to develop a new set of modeling elements which is simple and easy to use, and can meet the basic need for the planning and analysis of most construction operations. With the new set of modeling element, the accessibility of construction simulation can be enhanced. | en_US |