Transform Schemes Applied on Non-Finish-to-Start Logical Relationships in Project Network Diagrams

Abstract

Critical path analysis on a project network having non-finish-to-start (FS) logical relationships with lags is generally referred to as precedence diagram method (PDM). A PDM-based scheduling analysis is facilitated by mainstream project scheduling software (such as P3). However, PDM compounds total float determination and interpretation, potentially causing anomalous effects on critical path identification. In the present research, we generalize those particular circumstances that entail applying non-FS logical relationships on construction projects. We then propose generic transform schemes such that non-FS relationships in a PDM network can be detected and transformed—automatically—into equivalent FS. Moreover, we provide analytical proofs for the transform schemes being proposed to justify the logical equivalency between the original PDM network and the transformed activity-on-node (AON) network only having FS logical relationships. A PDM network example demonstrates that confusions would arise in interpreting P3’s critical path analysis results, but not in the case of the transformed AON counterpart. In conclusion, the transform schemes being proposed lead to better understanding of the scheduling results when critical path analysis is performed on a PDM network. This also paves the way for conducting further sophisticated scheduling analysis (such as resource loading or Monte Carlo simulation) on a PDM network.

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