Multipurpose linear programming optimization model for repetitive activities scheduling in construction projects

Repetitiveness in project's activities has gained an important role in the construction industry. Multiple linear scheduling methods have been proposed in order to fully take advantage of the spatial and temporal information these type of project can provide to practitioners. Besides the advances in the optimization models in these fields, to the extent of the authors knowledge, there is still pending a complete and flexible mathematical linear programming formulation that allow practitioners to easily and jointly solve the Resource allocation, Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling and Time-Cost Tradeoff problem, taking into account as many scheduling properties, benefits and challenges that linear scheduling of repetitive activities imply. This paper shows a complete guide and computational experimentation, of a novel mathematical model that can be easily used by practitioners to optimize construction schedules considering to the largest extent the time and space conditions repetitive projects offer. Particularly, it contributes to the repetitive activities scheduling body of knowledge by successfully implementing a robust linear programing optimization model in a real construction project, while considering as much linear scheduling characteristics as possible. It proves that relationships in the sub-activity level, continuity conditions, multiple modes of execution, controlled acceleration routines and execution mode shifts, and multiple crews can be easily and jointly integrated to a linear optimization model by adding simple linear restrictions to the model. •A mathematical formulation to optimally solve the RCPSP and TCTP in repetitive activities in construction projects.•The model considers multiple modes of execution and number of crews.•The model serves as a guideline for practitioners willing to implement linear programming in their scheduling process.•The model considers relationships on sub-activity level, continuity conditions, multiple modes, crews, and controlled shifts.•The model shows that real conditions are easily integrated by adding simple restrictions to the model.•Schedules generated by the model are robust, largely reflecting realistic construction project site conditions.•The model can be used for scheduling pipeline, highway and high-rise building projects.