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Unexpected things often happen in development, which affect the outcome.

truss parameters, such as type, dimensions, and other product data.production schedules, to specify the order in which truss types would be made.

throughput and timing data, such as processing times of stations, speed of conveyors and speed of cranes..The data itself was not hard-coded into the model and instead read from an external data file, which made running multiple simulations for differing parameters a rapid process.. Several different scenarios were simulated in the model that were made up from combinations of options.This included different production schedules and whether transport timings were included, to test sensitivity of the system to these inputs.

We also added scenarios for a +/- 20% variation on process timings (for example, the welding stations), using a triangular distribution.. We defined key outputs to measure performance of the system, including schedule completion time (i.e.how long it took to manufacture all trusses in the schedule) and average daily throughput, for comparison against expected market demand.

We recorded buffer accumulation to test for process bottlenecks, as well as the number of occupied painting stations to check capacity against what had been previously assumed.. Case study - modelling conclusion.

The model was able to support several assumptions made for the design of the process, such as the allowances for buffers and painting bays.Ask yourself whether you really need to build a new building or whether repurposing an existing building could achieve the same end goal..

Undertake a pre-demolition audit to understand the potential for reuse on the existing site.Use this information to develop sustainable construction design solutions..

Understand the potential reuse of buildings or building components locally, including the need to transport and store materials.. Balance cut and fill to reduce off-site waste and new material brought to construction sites.. Use lean design principles to reduce the amount of material overall.This will also reduce the embodied carbon..