Activity-Based Construction (ABC) Modeling and Simulation Method

Abstract

This research presents the activity-based construction (ABC) modeling and simulation method. ABC modeling (ABC-Mod) uses one single element (e.g., activity) for modeling general construction processes instead of multiple elements as required by current simulation systems. ABC simulation (ABC-Sim) executes the ABC model by manipulating activities in three stages: (1) Select activity; (2) advance simulation; and (3) release simulation entities. ABC-Mod and ABC-Sim constitute a unique simulation method, generally addressed as ABC. In summary, ABC is a general-purpose modeling and simulation method with an emphasis on construction application. Compared with existing simulation systems, it has all of the major features required for modeling and simulating the dynamic and random behaviors of a construction process. It requires no more knowledge to use than the critical path method does. Therefore, ABC is a simulation method for construction engineers and it has a potentially wide range of application in the industry.