Investigation of Visualization Needs for Vertical Repetitive Projects

Abstract

Repetitive construction projects, particularly high-rise buildings, are complex projects that suffer from cost overruns and delays. For these projects, efficient repetitive scheduling becomes necessary. Repetitive scheduling, however, remains less utilized in the industry due mainly to its visualization challenges. In an effort to improve schedule visualization, this thesis surveys available software packages for scheduling repetitive and non-repetitive projects and summarizes the visualization challenges for high-rise buildings.To improve schedule visualization, a new visualization method, Activity Continuity on Time-Inclined Visual (ACTIV), has been developed in this thesis. ACTIV changes the typical slanted lines of the repetitive schedule into vertical lines that resemble the shape of the high-rise building. The main concept is to represent the time-axis at an angle, rather than the typical horizontal orientation. To incorporate many activities, the time-axis angle is calculated differently for each activity. Based on the results of using ACTIV on a case study project, its interesting capabilities include better scheduling of structural core activities presenting the time-axis on an activity-dependent angle and producing legible schedule reports. Recommendations for adapting the proposed method to other types of repetitive projects are made.