Estimating key characteristics of the concrete delivery and placement process using linear regression analysis

Abstract

Concrete operations include various processes such as batching, transport and placement all of which are subject to unplanned disruptions and irregularities. The problem of accurately estimating the productivity of concrete operations is not a new one and unless a definitive model is developed it is unlikely that the efficiency and effectiveness of these operations is improved. The problem is exacerbated by the poor understanding of some of the key characteristics involved in concrete operations, which is one of the most common operations in today's construction industry. This paper presents a multiple linear regression analysis based on data collected on a major civil engineering project in the North-East of Scotland involving three smaller projects. From the three sites, a total of 202 separate concrete operations were observed for the entirety of the process, thus supplying a generous set of data recording multiple cycles. The results show a strong linear relationship between the chosen operating conditions and productivity. The derived model is then validated using data collected on a different site with some interesting and favourable findings.