Article: How to increase productivity with simulation practices in underground projects? Journal: International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management (IJPQM) 2025 Vol.46 No.3 pp.310 - 344 Abstract: The efficient allocation and use of resources is crucial in large and complex construction projects. However, in many countries including Turkey, planning, control, and efficiency have been approached through past experience and simplistic mathematical models. This lack of integration in project scheduling has resulted in cost overruns and inefficiencies. This paper presents a study based on real field observations and practices, aiming to simulate repetitive construction operations in four different construction sites in Istanbul. The focus is on the relationship between lean construction and simulation. The study utilises the EZStrobe simulation tool. Four cases are examined, including a pipe jacking operation, a dry batch and delivery placement operation, and three tunnelling projects using the new Australian tunnelling method. The results demonstrate that real-time projects can be effectively simulated to assess resource productivity. The simulation system can also be used in ongoing or upcoming projects to optimise resource utilisation, minimise waste, and make informed decisions. Ultimately, the use of simulation models can lead to reduced resource requirements, lower costs, shorter cycle times, and higher productivity in construction operations. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: How to increase productivity with simulation practices in underground projects?

Authors: Mehmet Enes Aksüllü; Gürkan Emre Gürcanlı

Addresses: Istanbul Technical University, Safran Street, No. 6/BD: 45, #34764, Ümraniye, Istanbul, Turkey ' ITU Ayazağa Campus, Civil Engineering Faculty, Istanbul Technical University, Sarıyer, İstanbul, Turkey

Abstract: The efficient allocation and use of resources is crucial in large and complex construction projects. However, in many countries including Turkey, planning, control, and efficiency have been approached through past experience and simplistic mathematical models. This lack of integration in project scheduling has resulted in cost overruns and inefficiencies. This paper presents a study based on real field observations and practices, aiming to simulate repetitive construction operations in four different construction sites in Istanbul. The focus is on the relationship between lean construction and simulation. The study utilises the EZStrobe simulation tool. Four cases are examined, including a pipe jacking operation, a dry batch and delivery placement operation, and three tunnelling projects using the new Australian tunnelling method. The results demonstrate that real-time projects can be effectively simulated to assess resource productivity. The simulation system can also be used in ongoing or upcoming projects to optimise resource utilisation, minimise waste, and make informed decisions. Ultimately, the use of simulation models can lead to reduced resource requirements, lower costs, shorter cycle times, and higher productivity in construction operations.

Keywords: simulation; construction industry; productivity; lean construction; EzStrobe; new Australian tunnelling method; NATM.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPQM.2025.149940

International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management, 2025 Vol.46 No.3, pp.310 - 344

Received: 18 May 2023
Accepted: 05 Jun 2023
Published online: 19 Nov 2025 *

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Title: How to increase productivity with simulation practices in underground projects?

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