Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bayero University, Kano - Nigeria
Quantitative Techniques (CIV 8341) prepared by Engr. Dr. A. D. Rafindadi
A. Linear Programming
Linear optimization, also known as linear programming, is a powerful mathematical
technique used in various industries, including the construction industry. It involves
optimizing a linear objective function while satisfying a set of linear equality and inequality
constraints. In the construction industry, linear optimization can be applied to various aspects
of project planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and cost optimization. Solving these
mathematical models can provide optimal solutions for effective decision-making in
construction projects. Here are some ways linear programming can be applied in construction
management:
1. Resource Allocation:
Labor Management: Linear programming can help optimize the allocation of labor
resources by considering factors such as skill levels, availability, and project
deadlines. It aims to maximize productivity while minimizing costs associated with
labor.
Material Usage: Linear programming can assist in determining the optimal allocation
of construction materials. This involves considering factors like material costs,
availability, and transportation constraints.
2. Project Scheduling:
Time Management: Linear programming can be used to optimize project schedules,
considering dependencies between tasks, resource constraints, and project deadlines.
It helps in minimizing the overall project duration or meeting specific time
constraints.
Critical Path Analysis: Linear programming techniques can be applied to identify the
critical path in a construction project, helping project managers focus on tasks that
have the most significant impact on project completion time.
3. Cost Management:
Budget Optimization: Linear programming can aid in optimizing project budgets by
considering various cost elements such as labor, materials, equipment, and overhead
costs. It helps in achieving the project objectives within the specified budget
constraints.
Cost Reduction: Construction projects often involve multiple cost factors. Linear
programming can be used to minimize costs associated with resource usage,
transportation, and other project-related expenses.
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Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bayero University, Kano - Nigeria
Quantitative Techniques (CIV 8341) prepared by Engr. Dr. A. D. Rafindadi
4. Risk Management:
Sensitivity Analysis: Linear programming allows for sensitivity analysis, which helps
project managers understand how changes in variables (such as costs, durations, or
resource availability) impact the overall project plan. This can aid in risk assessment
and mitigation.
5. Equipment Utilization:
Optimal Equipment Usage: Linear programming can assist in determining the
optimal utilization of construction equipment. It considers factors such as equipment
availability, maintenance schedules, and project requirements to minimize downtime
and maximize efficiency.
6. Material Procurement and Inventory Management:
Optimal Procurement: Linear programming helps in deciding when and how much
construction material to procure, considering factors like lead times, storage costs, and
project requirements.
Inventory Control: It can be used for optimizing construction material inventory
levels to avoid shortages or excess inventory, leading to cost savings.
Components of Linear programming
Objective function: The objective function in linear programming is the mathematical
expression that you're trying to maximize or minimize. It represents the goal of your
optimization problem, such as maximizing profit, minimizing cost, or optimizing
resource allocation.
Maximize ( ¿ minimize ) : Z=c 1 x1 +c 2 x2 +…+ c n x n
Where:
Z is the quantity being optimized
x₁, x₂, ..., xₙ are the decision variables (the values you're trying to determine)
c₁, c₂, ..., cₙ are the coefficients that represent the contribution of each variable to
the objective.
Constraints: The objectives of a problem can be achieved as the optimum or
minimum depend on constraints or restriction such as resource restrictions, budget or
cost for construction, requirements rule, regulation, policy, or condition of problems.
Non-Negativity Restriction: All variables in a linear programming must not be less
than zero.
Characteristics of Linear Programming
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Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bayero University, Kano - Nigeria
Quantitative Techniques (CIV 8341) prepared by Engr. Dr. A. D. Rafindadi
The following are the five characteristics of the linear programming problem:
Constraints – The limitations should be expressed in the mathematical form,
regarding the resource.
Objective Function – In a problem, the objective function should be specified in a
quantitative way.
Linearity – The relationship between two or more variables in the function must be
linear. It means that the degree of the variable is one.
Finiteness – There should be finite and infinite input and output numbers. In case, if
the function has infinite factors, the optimal solution is not feasible.
Finite Inputs and Outputs: A well-formulated linear programming problem must
have:
A finite number of decision variables
A finite number of constraints
Finite coefficients in both the objective function and constraints
Infinite Factors Issue: If a linear programming model contains "infinite factors,"
several problematic situations can arise:
If coefficients are infinitely large, numerical calculations become impossible
If there are infinitely many variables or constraints, the problem becomes
computationally intractable
If the feasible region extends infinitely in the direction of improvement, the
problem is unbounded
Non-negativity – The variable value should be positive or zero. It should not be a
negative value. x₁, x₂, ..., xₙ ≥ 0
Decision Variables – The decision variable will decide the output. It gives the
ultimate solution to the problem. For any problem, the first step is to identify the
decision variables.
References for Further Reading
1. K. N. Jha, Construction project management: Theory and practice. Pearson Education India, 2011.
2. P. Roy, Principles of construction management, McGraw-HillBook Company, 1992.
3. C. S. Park and G. P. Sharp, Advanced engineering economics. John Wiley & Sons, 2021.
4. Weglarz, J. (Ed.). (2012). Project scheduling: recent models, algorithms and applications (Vol. 14).
Springer Science & Business Media.
5. Zhou, J., Love, P. E., Wang, X., Teo, K. L., & Irani, Z. (2013). A review of methods and algorithms for
optimising construction scheduling. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 64(8), 1091-1105.
