A method of collaborative time-space scheduling in construction

Selecting the construction method, scheduling activities, and scheduling space are key to constructing a project effectively and efficiently. They are interrelated and interdependent. In current construction planning, the selection of the construction methods, activity scheduling, and space scheduling have been tackled as independent problems. Their interdependences are often ignored at the planning stage and are simply left until the execution stage As a result, in current construction practice, the construction space allocation often works on the principle of "first come, first served", and construction methods selection only depends on individual self interest. This leads to dynamic, complex and uncertain time space conflicts. A face to face interview was employed to investigation the reasons of time-space conflicts in current construction practice. A method was then developed for improving the collaborative time-space planning. It will encompass the integration and optimisation of information, materials, plant, labour flows and work space to enable effective construction methods, activities and space scheduling.