| This dissertation focuses on planning problems for large semi-stationary equipment in construction operations. This class of equipment is not constantly moving during the operation, although it can be relocated if necessary. Examples of semi-stationary equipment include cranes, concrete pumps, and large scale manipulators. Devising a plan to ensure feasibility for critical operations involving large semi-stationary equipment is an important aspect of construction planning because of these operations' costly and risky natures. This planning involves consideration of detailed site and design information to detect problems and arrange an efficient execution procedure.;Three major issues are addressed in this dissertation: (1) problems and considerations for planning critical operations, (2) procedures and methods for efficient planning, and (3) requirements and implementation of a computer-aided critical operations planning environment. The first issue is addressed through an analysis of several planning scenarios within the domain. A five-step planning procedure (problem definition, alternative identification, feasibility analysis, and development, and decision making) is then developed and planning methods combining advantages of 2-D and 3-D planning are proposed. Finally, a planning environment employing computer aided design tools and a set of interactive planning primitives is developed to facilitate a visual planning process.;With the developed planning environment, a significant amount of time can be saved for planning. A better plan can thus be determined through comparison of more alternatives. The structured planning process also allows planners to devise detailed analysis on planning problems so that better decision making can be achieved. The research findings indicate the following results: (1) a combination of CAD and database capabilities in a planning environment is a basic requirement for efficient computer aided planning; (2) many elements of 3-D spatial planning problems can and should be reduced to 2-D; (3) a generic planning process for planning critical operations should involve the following planning principles: human-computer interaction, constraint enforcement, and performance measurement; and (4) modeling the planning procedure as an integrated process enhances the understanding of the planning of the domain. |
