Computer‐Aided Planning for Heavy Lifts

Abstract

This article presents research into automating some lift planning practices common to industrial construction contractors and owners. A detailed investigation of heavy‐lift planning methods was conducted through a series of interviews and lift studies with expert lift planners. This investigation documented a wide variety of manual and computer‐aided lift planning methods to perform similar types of planning tasks. Based on the information collected from these interviews and lift studies, a structured systems model was developed of the typical heavy‐lift planning process. This structured model is used as an architecture for the development of computer software to aid key planning tasks. An examination of major planning tasks indicates that significant reductions in direct planning costs and indirect construction heavy‐lift costs are possible through the implementation of computer‐aided planning procedures. Computer‐aided procedures would also improve the overall quality of lift planning practices through the automation of tasks which are difficult to perform and are critical to heavy‐lift planning accuracy.