Crane operation assisted planning and optimization

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When bidding on large-scale modular projects, and specifically the scope of on-site assembly, the likelihood of success is governed by: (i) the capacity to respond rapidly to changes requested by owners; and (ii) the ability to clearly represent all the details of crane operations, including: (a) crane selection; (b) location of pick points; (c) crane path planning; and (d) a digital lift animation emphasizing proper rigging configuration, crane swing direction, and potential lift obstructions. A bidding proposal that addresses these operational details signals to the owner that the proponent's engineering team not only has thoroughly investigated and understood every aspect of the project, but is also able to integrate these elements within an animation platform to help the stakeholders (including the owner) refine their understanding of alternative assembly scenarios and thus conduct a well-informed tendering process. In this context, the key deliverable of the proposed research will be a decision-support system that can generate level-4 crane schedules for a complete project (4D), based on 3D simulation of each lift in the project, which can, in turn, form the basis of cost estimation (5D) for the purpose of bidding, comparison, and execution. The generating of various scenarios based on this 4D and 5D information will culminate in an optimization approach in the form of value engineering selection criteria (6D), based upon which the partner organization can select the best available solution that satisfies the project requirements (i.e., a scope triangle). The potential benefits of this research include increased competitiveness of Canadian crane service enterprises; reductions in the carbon footprint of construction due to increased efficiency of crane operations; improved equipment selection (preventing overdesign and thereby reducing CO2 emissions with respect to ground preparation and transportation of equipment such as crane components, rigging, and crane mats); and improved safety (through streamlined operations and improved communication between lift planners and rigging crew/operator).