In the complex field of resource management in construction, identifying and managing peak resource units is essential for keeping your project on track. Picture a construction project as a marathon with multiple teams. Each team represents a different resource type—whether labour, machinery, or materials. These teams must maintain a steady pace throughout the project. However, if some teams move too fast or too slowly, it can disrupt the entire timeline.
Identifying Peak Units in Construction Resource Management
What Are Peak Units?
Peak units are the maximum number of resources—such as workers or machines—needed at a specific time during a construction project. For example, if your project usually requires 50 workers but needs 70 on a particular day, that day represents your peak unit. Recognising these peaks is crucial for planning. It ensures you have the right resources at the right time, avoiding surprises.
How to Identify Peak Units for Effective Construction Resource Management
Resource Histograms: Imagine a bar graph where each bar’s height represents the number of resources needed each day. The tallest bars indicate your peak units. It’s like noticing when the crowd surges at different points during a marathon.
Critical Path Method (CPM): This method helps map out the most crucial parts of the project, where delays could impact the entire timeline. Peaks often occur along these critical paths.
Leveling and Re-Levelling Resources in Construction Projects
Resource Leveling for Optimal Construction Management
Purpose: Resource leveling prevents any single resource from being overused, similar to maintaining a steady, sustainable pace in a marathon.
How to Perform:
- Adjusting Work Hours: Like advising some teams to slow down while others speed up, adjusting work hours can help shift tasks from peak times to less busy periods.
- Delaying Non-Critical Tasks: If certain tasks can be delayed without affecting the overall timeline, this approach helps balance the workload.
Re-Leveling Resources When Construction Projects Face Delays
When Needed: If unforeseen events, such as delays or breakdowns, occur, reassessing and adjusting your resource plan is crucial.
Steps:
- Reassess the Project Timeline: Revisit your timeline to see where adjustments are needed.
- Reallocate Resources: Shift resources based on the new needs, ensuring no aspect of the project is neglected.
Example: Managing Peak Resources During Construction
Imagine you’re overseeing the construction of a large building. In two weeks, all available cranes will be required for heavy lifting—a peak period. To manage this:
- Before Peak: Schedule tasks requiring cranes earlier or later to avoid overloading resources.
- During Peak: Ensure all cranes are properly maintained to prevent breakdowns.
- Re-Levelling: If a crane breaks down, bring in additional resources or delay non-critical tasks to keep the project on track.
Conclusion: The Importance of Resource Management in Construction
Understanding and managing peak units is vital for successful resource management in construction. By using tools like resource histograms and the Critical Path Method, and by implementing effective resource levelling and re-levelling strategies, you can keep your construction projects on track and ensure their successful completion.
Gazala Ansari is an expert in construction programming and planning, specialising in 4D scheduling with over 13 years of experience. She has worked on iconic projects like Te Kaha Christchurch Stadium, commercial buildings, 3 Waters infrastructure, and residential developments across New Zealand. Gazala is passionate about planning as the key to success and mentors MBA students at Auckland University of Technology.