Analysis and system implementation for prefabricated construction project schedule based on system dynamics

doi:10.3785/j.issn.1008-973X.2025.06.017

Journal of ZheJiang University (Engineering Science)

2025, Vol. 59

Issue (6): 1265-1276 DOI: 10.3785/j.issn.1008-973X.2025.06.017

Analysis and system implementation for prefabricated construction project schedule based on system dynamics

Haoxiang LI(

),Gongyu HOU*(

),Qinhuang CHEN,Dandan WANG,Yaohua SHAO,Zhigang TAO

School of Mechanics and Civil Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology-Beijing, Beijing 100083, China

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Abstract

A project schedule analysis method based on the system dynamics was proposed to facilitate the analysis and management of the prefabricated construction project schedule. The activity-on-arc network planning for prefabricated construction projects was improved according to the characteristics of prefabricated construction, and an improved algorithm for solving the activity-on-arc network planning based on the structure matrix (SM-A1) was introduced. By determining the system variables, constructing the causal loop diagram and the mixed graphs, and defining the mathematical relationships between variables, a system dynamics model for simulating the schedule of a single task (S-SD) in prefabricated construction projects was established, and its validity and reliability were verified. Combining SM-A1 and S-SD, a framework for the prefabricated construction project schedule analysis system (PCPSAS) was developed, including the design of the system’s data format, core modules, and interface, as well as the generation of an executable program. The PCPSAS was validated through the case study. The experimental results demonstrate that the PCPSAS can quickly and accurately calculate the activity-on-arc network planning time parameters for the prefabricated construction project, identify the critical tasks, and effectively analyze the impact of different corrective strategies on the prefabricated construction project schedule and cost.

Key words： prefabricated construction project structure matrix activity-on-arc network system dynamics corrective strategy

Received: 03 June 2024 Published: 30 May 2025

CLC:

TU 712

Fund: 深部岩土力学与地下工程国家重点实验室创新基金资助项目(SKLGDUEK202201).

Corresponding Authors: Gongyu HOU E-mail: hoxiangli@163.com;hgyht@126.com

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	Haoxiang LI
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	Qinhuang CHEN
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	Yaohua SHAO
	Zhigang TAO

Cite this article:

Haoxiang LI,Gongyu HOU,Qinhuang CHEN,Dandan WANG,Yaohua SHAO,Zhigang TAO. Analysis and system implementation for prefabricated construction project schedule based on system dynamics. Journal of ZheJiang University (Engineering Science), 2025, 59(6): 1265-1276.

URL:

https://www.zjujournals.com/eng/10.3785/j.issn.1008-973X.2025.06.017 OR https://www.zjujournals.com/eng/Y2025/V59/I6/1265

基于系统动力学的装配式建筑项目进度分析与系统实现

为了便于装配式建筑项目的进度分析与管理，提出基于系统动力学的进度分析方法. 根据装配式建造的特点，改进装配式建筑项目的双代号网络计划，并引入基于结构矩阵求解双代号网络计划的改进算法(SM-A1). 通过确定系统变量、构建因果关系回路图和混合图、确定变量间的数学关系等过程，建立适用于装配式建筑项目的单项作业进度模拟系统动力学模型(S-SD)，并验证S-SD的有效性与可靠性. 将SM-A1与S-SD相结合，构建装配式建筑项目进度分析系统(PCPSAS)框架，设计系统的数据格式、核心模块及界面，生成可执行程序，并通过实例验证PCPSAS的有效性. 结果表明，PCPSAS可快速准确地计算装配式建筑项目的双代号网络计划的时间参数和识别关键工作，且能有效地分析不同纠偏策略对项目进度和成本的影响.

关键词： 装配式建筑项目, 结构矩阵, 双代号网络, 系统动力学, 纠偏策略

Fig.1 Activity-on-arc network diagram of prefabricated construction project

Tab.1 Transformation rules of works’ overlap relation

Tab.2 Main factors affecting prefabricated construction project schedule

Tab.3 Types of main variables in system

Fig.2 Causal loop diagram

Fig.3 Mixed graph of production subsystem

Fig.4 Mixed graph of rectifying deviation subsystem

Fig.5 Normal distribution diagram of non-rework events

Fig.6 Impact of overtime on production efficiency

Tab.4 Comparison table of working temperature and production efficiency reduction

Fig.7 Extreme condition test of S-SD

Fig.8 Integral error test of S-SD

Fig.9 Comparison between actual man-days requirements and S-SD’s simulation requirements for electrical conduit installation

Fig.10 System construction diagram of PCPSAS

Fig.11 Interface of S-SD module in PCPSAS

Tab.5 Overview of prefabricated construction project in Shenzhen

Tab.6 Information for activities in factory

Fig.12 Activity-on-arc network planning for activities in factory of case

Fig.13 Activity-on-arc network after transformation on-site

Fig.14 Screenshot of calculation results of SM-A1 module

Tab.7 Calculation results of SM-A1 module

Tab.8 Main parameters setting of S-SD module

Tab.9 Simulation results on schedule of work D in factory under different strategies by S-SD module


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