Construction machines: Optimal choice of options using mathematical modelling

Abstract

Purpose

To define the ratio of usability of various options in the choice of construction machinery for concreting operations which is realistic in practice, as well as the ratio of usability of various mathematical tools.

Design/methodology/approach

In construction industry optimal choice of options of construction machines is obtained mostly by a conventional procedure. However, a conventional procedure does not often give a clear answer to a question which option should be chosen as the best one, so that some other method for the choice of machinery should be employed in a decision‐making process. Owing to uncertain and imprecise environment in which a system of construction machines exists, the theories of rough sets and fuzzy sets are chosen as mathematical framework to solve a problem of optimal choice of construction machinery.

Findings

The need for application of three models – conventional procedure and rough and fuzzy sets approaches, in optimal choice of options of construction machines, is recognized.

Research limitations/implications

Accessibility and availability of data are the main limitations which model will be applied.

Practical implications

A very useful advice for construction processes managers.

Originality/value

The new approach of optimal choice of options of construction machines due to fuzzy and rough sets. The paper is aimed at operational researches and engineers, especially those who dealt with machinery.

Citation

Ćirović, G. and Plamenac, D. (2006), "Construction machines: Optimal choice of options using mathematical modelling", Kybernetes, Vol. 35 No. 9, pp. 1348-1368. https://doi.org/10.1108/03684920610662656