Developing an Analytical Solution that Mimics Simulation Modeling for Construction Planning: Earthwork Case

Deriving a reliable earthwork job cost estimate entails analysis of the interaction of numerous variables defined in a highly complex and dynamic system. Using simulation to plan earthwork haul jobs delivers high accuracy in cost estimating. However, given practical limitations of time and expertise, simulation remains prohibitively expensive and rarely applied in the construction field. The development of a pragmatic tool for field applications that would mimic simulation-derived results while consuming less time was thus warranted. In this research, a spreadsheet based analytical tool was developed using data from industry benchmark databases (such as CAT Handbook and RSMeans). Based on a case study, the proposed methodology outperformed commonly used estimating methods and compared closely to the results obtained from simulation in controlled experiments.