A framework for incorporating dynamic strategies in earth-moving simulations

Earthwork projects involve moving specific amounts of earth from a discrete set of source locations to a discrete set of destinations. Constructors use different methods and equipment to move earth depending primarily on haul distance and equipment availability. Successful earthwork projects involve successively refined cycles of construction plan preparation and evaluation. The construction plan includes the determination and sequencing of tasks as well as the strategies for allocation of resources among them. The ideal method of evaluating the plan is to simulate models that incorporate the details of the plan and that rely on fundamental engineering analysis and estimated performance, cost and availability of resources. Current research at Virginia Tech focuses on the development of technology that accurately captures, models, and evaluates the strategic plan envisioned by the planner. This paper presents a framework for the integration of project-level and process-level simulations with the dynamic strategies that form the core of the plan. Obvious benefits that result from implementing this framework include more accurate cost estimation and improved construction performance. The paper illustrates essential concepts with a project involving the extension of an airport runway.