A coupled SD-DES visual simulation model for scheduling of roller compacted concrete dam construction considering mechanical failure

Abstract

[Objective] The simulation method of the construction process of roller compacted concrete dam(RCCD) provides a scientific and effective technical means for analyzing the complex dynamic system of dam construction. The traditional discrete event simulation(DES) method considers the main factors affecting the construction schedule(such as concrete production, concrete transportation, and construction rainfalls) in the simulation process. However, the influence of construction machinery failure on the construction process in the warehouse surface operation is not effectively considered, and the accuracy of the construction progress simulation result and the three-dimensional visualization display effect need to be further improved. To address the aforementioned challenges, a coupled SD-DES visual simulation method for RCCD construction considering mechanical failures is developed through the integration of system dynamics(SD) with conventional construction simulation approaches. [Methods] First of all, the SD model of mechanical failure in silo construction was established based on system dynamics, so as to realize the causality analysis of the behavior of the roller operation, failure, and maintenance in the storehouse construction. Secondly, based on the traditional DES simulation model, the coupled SD-DES simulation model of RCCD construction is established by coupling the SD model of mechanical failure and taking the time of roller compacted construction as the interface variable of the coupled model, so as to realize the data communication and interaction of the model, which effectively improves the accuracy of the simulation result. Then, the system simulation technology is combined with the visualization technology to construct a three-dimensional dynamic scene of the dam construction based on Unity 3D to realize the three-dimensional dynamic visualization display of the simulation result. Finally, taking a high roller compacted concrete dam project in the southwestern region of China as an example, construction simulation analysis and result display were conducted. [Results] Compared with the traditional DES model simulation result(deviation of 2.49% from the actual), the simulation result based on the coupled SD-DES model(deviation of 0.28% from the actual) are more in line with the actual situation, and the level of three-dimensional dynamic visualization display has been further enhanced. [Conclusion] The study demonstrates that the coupled SD-DES visualization simulation method effectively accounts for the impact of construction machinery failures on construction schedules, enhances simulation accuracy and visualization capabilities of the construction process, and contributes to the rational formulation of dam construction plans and informed management decisions for on-site construction.

Keywords

system dynamics / machinery failure / SD-DES coupling / roller compacted concrete dam / construction visualization simulation / concrete / water conser vancy projects