ABSTRACT: The highly complex and interdependent nature of modern construction operations means that the use of historical data as a basis for computer simulations of new projects raises validity issues; hence introducing uncertainties in terms of time and cost in the planning and scheduling process. To tackle this problem, the use of real time data in simulation studies has been introduced and practiced in recent years. However, a major challenge related to this approach is deciding at which point during a current construction activity, the data collected represents a valid sample on which to base subsequent plans and schedules for the entire activity. Using data available in concrete placing from constructed projects, this paper examines the validity and reliability of forecasted results using different segments from the datasets available. For this purpose, a discrete event simulation model for concrete delivery and pour was developed and validated. Available datasets were statistically analyzed and then segmented based on the percentage of the activity completed. Each cumulative data segment was then used in the model to simulate the end result. Simulation results at each stage were compared to actual project data and the standard deviation and variance were recorded. Ultimately, the cumulative segment with accuracy at greater than the 95% confidence level was recommended for use in scheduling.

R.S. (M.B.Env, M.EngSc, B.Sc)

I’m getting published…
my first contribution to academia!
its interesting,
no… its fascinating…
when I first wrote this paper I didn’t understand research…
i didnt know shit about conducting a research…
how to underpin its  philosophical foundation
how to validate my conclusion
how to examine the reliability of my methods
all I cared about was to get published
as if i had to prove something
to show off
to show myslef that i can perhaps?

i don’t know what it was…
now i learned it all … how to do it the right way
the long way…. the hard way
and i learned more than that
my thesis taught me what it is to be happy
its funny how life comes full circle
it was painful… it was frustrating….
but i learned to care for things i never valued before
and i learned to have an identity… to desire and pursue things that have a value to me and not to others
so when my advisor asked if i want to submit a paper on my new thesis
i just said no
he asked why and tried to change my mind
he said how this would represent a shift in my multidisciplinary background while bringing them all together at the same time
he said how its a dream to others to have publications by my age

i just said no
maybe cause i’m just tried
maybe cause now i view knowledge much like wealth; one that you can never get enough of… one that would consume your life… all your time and mind …your true gift
or maybe cause it’s just not my dream