Preplanning method for multistore building construction using line of balance

Abstract

This paper reports one aspect of a research program devoted to the topic of production control in multi-story building construction. Preplanning using the line of balance technique attempts to solve planning problems by making production process clearer and simpler. A preplanning method is presented which needs little detailed information about productivities and work volumes and may be rapidly produced. The plan brings an overall view of the project by grouping the main activities that are highly interdependent. The concept on the best rhythm for each group of activities focus on the sequencie of work, continuity of labor team working and completeness rather than on pure schedule goals. Many characteristics of the method support lean construction concepts, such as waste elimination, variances minimization, flexible planning and scheduling sequencing. Using line of balance concepts also suggests some control tools which are being experimented on aplication cases and are briefly described.