Simulation of concrete batch plant production

The decision-making process is a very essential part of any construction op eration. Simulation can be used as a tool to assist construction managers i n making informed decisions. In this paper, simulation is applied to concre te batching operations to analyze alternative solutions and resource manage ment. Data are collected to define activity durations for the plant. A simu lation model is constructed for the plant using the MicroCYCLONE simulation system. Based on sensitivity analysis, management tools are constructed to help the decision maker. These tools are a time-cost-quantity chart, a fea sible region analysis, and a contour lines chart. Time-cost-quantity and co ntour lines charts are used for determining production time, production cos t, and resources for a required distance from the plant. The feasible regio n chart is used for determining the range of alternative solutions that can be taken to minimize production time and cost of the available plant resou rces, according to the required transportation distance.