Simulating haul durations for linear scheduling

A major portion of highway construction work is comprised of linear activities. A linear activity is one that progresses along a path (non-stationary), as it does it is complete and another activity can proceed. Traditional scheduling methods model linear activities as having constant production rates. Linear scheduling allows an activity to be modeled as a line with dimensions of time and location. The slope of the line at any point represents the planned productivity rate of the activity. Predicting the productivity of linear activities is a scheduler's most difficult task. The paper shows how simulation can be used to give planners greater insight into the factors that influence an activity's production rate.