Optimization Model that Minimizes the Penalty Caused by Delayed Delivery of Construction Projects

Purpose: This work aims to minimize the penalty generated by delays in delivering construction projects operated by a single machine. Theoretical framework: The fundamental issues to develop this work are optimization and its application to delays in construction projects operated in their initial stage by a single machine. Design/Methodology/Approach: We presented a construction case study, developed an optimization model, implemented a computational optimization tool and obtained the optimal sequence to perform the tasks. Findings: The numerical results demonstrated the model’s usefulness in minimizing the penalty generated by delays in the delivery of projects. Research, practical & social implications: The benefit of this study is to help managers or decision-makers schedule their construction projects with limited resources and deadlines per activity to minimize penalty costs of delay. Originality/Value: Considering that the construction sector generates the largest labor force in Peru, the study has an important social value by providing a tool to improve operations and incentivize construction companies to continue operating. In addition, it provides a substantial basis for future work by applying optimization in a specific area of civil engineering. To our knowledge, no researcher or company in Peru has yet addressed this study.