Construction Simulation with Cyclone

Applications of simulation on tunneling operations have been previously In 1973, Halpin developed the CYCLONE _cyclic operation network_ format that has become the basis for a number of construction simulation systems. CYCLONE allowed the user to build models using a set of abstract but simple parameters. This system was the basis for a wide range of construction simulation research efforts including tunneling and microtunneling. In 1978, Halpin popularized the use of CYCLONE format with MicroCYCLONE program. MicroCYCLONE is a microcomputer based simulation program designed specially for modeling and analyzing site level processes which are cyclic in nature. Due to the accessibility and ease of use, a Web-based version of MicroCYCLONE, namely, WebCYCLONE maintained by Purdue University is used in this research to perform simulations (Division of Construction Engineering and Management Website 2005).

The CYCLONE methodology is a modeling technique that allows the graphical representation and simulation of discrete systems that deals with deterministic or stochastic variables. Using the CYCLONE methodology for simulation of construction operations, construction processes are divided into discrete pieces or work tasks and their interactions are represented. This type of simulation focuses on resources and their interactions and presents a graphical representation of their interactions.

The basic modeling elements used in the CYCLONE methodology are as follows. These elements are described as follows: combi _COMBI_, represents a work task constrained by one or more resources; counter _COU_, keeps track of the number of

times a unit passes it; function _FUN_, simulation entities can be accumulated at this node; normal _NORMAL_, represents a nonconstraint work task with an infinite number of servers; queue _QUE_, a node where idle resources wait and is always followed

by COMBI nodes; Arc, indicates the logical structure of model and direction of entity flow _Halpin and Riggs 1992_. Resources can be in one of two states—active _denoted by a square element_ or idle _represented by a circle element_. Resources will move between these two states, as they “traverse” from one activity to another. A flow unit traverses a CYCLONE network with the following effects:

• Waits in QUEUE nodes for processing;

• Initiates _or signal_ the processing of a work task;

• Generate other entities where they traverse a QUEUE-GEN node;

• Get consolidated with other flow units when they pass a

CONSOLIDATE Function; and

• Register productions where they pass a function COUNTER

 

Some Examples: