Duration Calculation of Activities and Factors
When calculating the duration of a task, several factors influence the outcome. These factors
ensure the calculation is accurate and considers all project constraints and resources. Here's a
breakdown:
1. Task Scope
Work Quantity: The total amount of work to be completed (e.g., square meters of
painting, cubic meters of concrete).
Complexity: More complex tasks may take longer due to skill requirements or additional
steps.
2. Resource Factors
Resource Productivity Rate: The speed at which resources (e.g., labor, equipment) can
complete work (e.g., 10 square meters per day).
Number of Resources: The total number of workers, machines, or teams assigned to the
task.
Skill Level: Highly skilled resources may complete tasks faster, while less experienced
resources may take longer.
Resource Availability: The time and days when resources are available to work.
3. Work Calendars
Working Hours: Daily working hours for the task (e.g., 8 hours per day).
Working Days: Weekly schedule (e.g., 5-day or 6-day workweeks).
Holidays and Non-Working Days: Days when no work is scheduled, affecting the
timeline.
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4. Dependencies and Constraints
Predecessor Activities: The start or finish of other tasks may influence when this task
can begin.
Successor Activities: Deadlines for subsequent tasks may impose constraints on this
task's duration.
Task Constraints: Restrictions like "Must Finish On" or "Start No Earlier Than" may affect
duration.
5. Environmental Factors
Weather Conditions: Can impact outdoor activities (e.g., rain delays construction work).
Site Conditions: Accessibility, material delivery delays, or unforeseen site challenges.
6. Task Type
Fixed Work: Duration depends on the amount of work and resource productivity.
Fixed Duration: Resources are adjusted to fit a pre-determined duration.
Milestones: These are zero-duration tasks marking key events.
7. Productivity Adjustments
Fatigue or Efficiency: Workers' performance may vary over time.
Learning Curve: Productivity may improve as workers gain experience in repetitive
tasks.
8. Tools and Equipment
Availability and Capacity: Delays or insufficient equipment can extend task duration.
Maintenance or Downtime: Unplanned equipment downtime affects productivity.
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9. Quality Requirements
Higher quality standards may increase task duration due to additional checks or
processes.
10. Project Management Tools
Software like Primavera P6, MS Project, or Excel considers resource allocation,
calendars, and dependencies to calculate task durations.
Example:1
Factor Integration in Calculation:
If you're pouring 500 cubic meters of concrete:
Work Quantity: 500 m³
Resource Productivity: 50 m³/day (with 1 mixer and crew).
Number of Resources: 2 mixers and crews.
Calendar: 6-day workweek.
Duration:
Total Work Quantity
Duration (Days)= ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Resource Productivity Rate × Number of Resources
500
Duration= ---------------- = 5days (adjusted for calendar constraints).
50 x2
By accounting for these factors, you can achieve a more precise task duration, leading to better project
planning and execution.
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Example:2
Task Duration Calculation for Steel Reinforcement Installation
Scenario:
A construction project requires installing steel reinforcement bars for a concrete slab.
Given Data:
1. Work Quantity:
o Total steel weight to be installed: 20 tons.
2. Resource Productivity Rate:
o A crew of steel fixers can install 2 tons/day.
3. Number of Resources (Crews):
o 2 crews are available for the task.
4. Work Calendar:
o 8-hour workday, 6-day workweek (Sunday is non-working).
5. Other Factors:
o No interruptions or delays anticipated.
o The site conditions allow full productivity for both crews.
Formula:
Total Work Quantity
Duration (Days)= ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Resource Productivity Rate × Number of Resources
Step-by-Step Calculation:
1. Plug in the Values:
20tons
Duration= --------------------------------------
2tons/day×2crews
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20
Duration= ----------------------- = 5 days
4
2. Account for the Calendar:
Since the task spans a 6-day workweek, the task will take exactly 5 consecutive working
days (e.g., Monday to Friday).
Final Duration:
The steel reinforcement installation will take 5 days, assuming no delays or productivity losses.
Additional Considerations:
1. If any holidays or non-working days fall within the 5-day period, adjust the schedule accordingly.
2. If site constraints (e.g., limited working area) prevent both crews from working simultaneously,
the number of resources must be adjusted, which will increase the duration.
3. For large-scale projects, consider adding contingency time for unforeseen issues like material
delivery delays or equipment failure.
This approach ensures a realistic calculation for steel reinforcement installation while factoring
in resources, productivity, and work conditions.
Example: 3
Task Duration Calculation for Resource Mobilization
Scenario:
A project requires mobilizing construction equipment and a team to the project site.
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Given Data:
1. Work Quantity:
o 5 trucks of construction equipment and materials need to be transported to the site.
2. Resource Productivity Rate:
o 1 truck/day can be mobilized by the transport crew, including loading, transporting, and
unloading.
3. Number of Resources (Crews):
o 2 transport crews are available to handle the mobilization.
4. Work Calendar:
o 8-hour workday, 5-day workweek (weekends are non-working).
5. Other Factors:
o The site is 100 km away, and no delays are anticipated for transportation.
o Each truck must be mobilized sequentially for safety and logistical reasons.
Formula:
Total Work Quantity
Duration (Days)= ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Resource Productivity Rate × Number of Resources
Step-by-Step Calculation:
1. Plug in the Values:
5 trucks
Duration= --------------------------------------
1 Truck / day x 2 Crews
5
Duration= ----------------------- = 2.5 Days
2
1. Adjust for Whole Days:
Since mobilization must happen over full days, round up to the nearest whole number:
Duration=3days
2. Account for the Calendar:
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o Mobilization will take 3 consecutive working days.
o If the mobilization starts on a Thursday, it will complete on Monday (skipping the
weekend).
Final Duration:
The resource mobilization will take 3 working days, assuming no delays or interruptions.
Additional Considerations:
1. Weather Conditions: Heavy rain or adverse conditions may delay transport.
2. Site Readiness: Ensure the site is prepared to receive the mobilized equipment.
3. Regulatory Compliance: Account for permits or approvals required for transporting large
equipment.
4. Efficiency Gains: If trucks can be mobilized in parallel or at a faster rate, recalculate the duration
accordingly.
5. Demobilization: Similar calculations apply if resources need to be removed after project
completion.
This method ensures accurate planning for resource mobilization while considering logistical
and operational constraints.
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