Productivity modeling for steel fabrication projects

Productivity is a fundamental piece of information involved in many project management functions. The primary objective of this thesis research is developing a methodology for measuring and analyzing the productivity of steel fabrication projects using simulation and artificial neural networks.; This research presents a systematic approach of collecting historical data, measuring productivity, and modeling productivity for both steel drafting and shop fabrication in a steel fabrication project. A data acquisition system was developed to collect historical data for productivity modeling. A drafting productivity measurement system was developed to quantify steel drafting project scope and model drafting productivity using artificial neural networks based on the collected historical data. A simulation-based virtual shop modeling system was developed and used to model the steel fabrication process. An integrated virtual shop system, which was developed using this modeling system, provides a virtual project execution environment for productivity analysis and production planning.; In conjunction with an Edmonton-based steel fabrication company, the data acquisition system was implemented and used for project reporting and the collection of historical data. Prototype systems of the proposed drafting productivity measurement system and the virtual shop model were implemented at the involved company. The drafting productivity measurement system was proved to be effective in measuring and analyzing the productivity of engineers. The virtual shop model shows its exceptional capabilities in modeling dynamics and uncertainties in an industrial shop environment for productivity analysis. The research helps project engineers analyze the productivity of steel fabrication projects, and improve the accuracy of productivity estimating and planning. The research also shows its potential benefits to project planning and control. It lays a solid foundation for future endeavours in developing a production-oriented project planning and control system for steel fabrication projects.