scholarly journals Application of Three Metaheuristic Algorithms to Time-Cost-Quality Trade-Off Project Scheduling Problem for Construction Projects Considering Time Value of Money

Symmetry ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 2402
Author(s):  
Omid Kebriyaii ◽  
Ali Heidari ◽  
Mohammad Khalilzadeh ◽  
Jurgita Antucheviciene ◽  
Miroslavas Pavlovskis

Time, cost, and quality have been known as the project iron triangles and substantial factors in construction projects. Several studies have been conducted on time-cost-quality trade-off problems so far, however, none of them has considered the time value of money. In this paper, a multi-objective mathematical programming model is developed for time-cost-quality trade-off scheduling problems in construction projects considering the time value of money, since the time value of money, which is decreased during a long period of time, is a very important matter. Three objective functions of time, cost, and quality are taken into consideration. The cost objective function includes holding cost and negative cash flows. In this model, the net present value (NPV) of negative cash flow is calculated considering the costs of non-renewable (consumable) and renewable resources in each time period of executing activities, which can be mentioned as the other contribution of this study. Then, three metaheuristic algorithms including multi-objective grey wolf optimizer (MOGWO), non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II), and multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) are applied, and their performance is evaluated using six metrics introduced in the literature. Finally, a bridge construction project is considered as a real case study. The findings show that considering the time value of money can prevent cost overrun in projects. Additionally, the results indicate that the MOGWO algorithm outperforms the NSGA-II and MOPSO algorithms.

Author(s):  
Ashish Sharma

Abstract: In every construction project, the time and cost are the two most important objectives/factors to be considered. Clients and contractors should strive to optimize the project time and cost to maximize the return. Resources are also one of the major constraints of the construction projects. In recent years, several studies have been conducted to optimize the time and cost of project under constraint conditions of resources. Since most studies assume the time and cost as deterministic parameters, uncertainties should be considered in estimating the time and cost of the project's activities when minimizing the duration and cost of the project. For this purpose, this paper embeds the fuzzy logic to handle the uncertainties in estimating the time and cost. Besides, the multi-objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) is used to develop the resourceconstrained time-cost trade-off model. Alpha-cut approach is utilized to define the accepted risk level of decision maker. The efficiency of the proposed model is demonstrated through solvinga case study project of highway construction. The results of case study project provide a set of Pareto-optimal solutions. The developed model encourage the decision making process by choosing specified risk levels and utilizing the related Pareto-front. Keywords: Construction projects, time-cost trade-off, uncertainties, fuzzy logic, MOGA,Pareto-optimal solution.


2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (10) ◽  
pp. 3346-3367
Author(s):  
Mohamed ElMenshawy ◽  
Mohamed Marzouk

PurposeNowadays, building information modeling (BIM) represents an evolution in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industries with its various applications. BIM is capable to store huge amounts of information related to buildings which can be leveraged in several areas such as quantity takeoff, scheduling, sustainability and facility management. The main objective of this research is to establish a model for automated schedule generation using BIM and to solve the time–cost trade-off problem (TCTP) resulting from the various scenarios offered to the user.Design/methodology/approachA model is developed to use the quantities exported from a BIM platform, then generate construction activities, calculate the duration of each activity and finally the logic/sequence is applied in order to link the activities together. Then, multiobjective optimization is performed using nondominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) in order to provide the most feasible solutions considering project duration and cost. The researchers opted NSGA-II because it is one of the well-known and credible algorithms that have been used in many applications, and its performances were tested in several comparative studies.FindingsThe proposed model is capable to select the near-optimum scenario for the project and export it to Primavera software. A case study is worked to demonstrate the use of the proposed model and illustrate its main features.Originality/valueThe proposed model can provide a simple and user-friendly model for automated schedule generation of construction projects. In addition, opportunities related to the interface between an automated schedule generation model and Primavera software are enabled as Primavera is one of the most popular and common schedule software solutions in the construction industry. Furthermore, it allows importing data from MS Excel, which is used to store activities data in the different scenarios. In addition, there are numerous solutions, each one corresponds to a certain duration and cost according to the performance factor which often reflects the number of crews assigned to the activity and/or construction method.


2006 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-89
Author(s):  
Abu Umar Faruq Ahmad ◽  
M. Kabir Hassan

The time value of money is a basic investment concept and a basic element in the conventional theory of finance. The Shari`ah does not rule out this consideration, for it does not prohibit any increment in a loan given to cover the price of a commodity in any sale contract to be paid at a future date. What is prohibited, however, is making money’s time value an element of any lending relationship that considers it to have a predetermined value. Here, the Shari`ah requires that a loan be due in the same currency in which it was given. The value (i.e., purchasing power) of paper currencies varies due to changes in many variables over which the two parties of a loan contract usually have no control. This study examines possible modus operandi of time valuation according to the Shari`ah’s precepts vis-à-vis the concept of money, and whether any value can be attributed to time while considering money’s value. For this purpose, it investigates the juristic views on such relevant issues as the permissibility of difference between a commodity’s cash and credit prices and an increase and reduction of the loan’s amount in return for early repayment.


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