Linear Scheduling Method Definition A simple diagram to

Linear Scheduling Method • Definition A simple diagram to show location and time at which a certain crew will be working on a given operation. • Characteristics – Shows repetitive nature of the construction – progression of work can be seen easily – Sequence of different work activities can be easily understood – Have fairly high level of detail – Can be developed and prepared in a shorter time period than other formats.

Advantages of LSM • Provides more information concerning the planned method of const. than a bar chart. • In certain types of projects, LSM offers some advantages over the network approach.

Implementation of LSM • Can be used to continuous activities rather than discrete activities. • Transportation projects; highway const. , and resurfacing, tunnels, mass transit systems, pipelines, railroads. • High-rise building construction • Repetitive building units

Elements of the LSM • Axis Parameters • Location – measure of progress – In high-rises and housing const. , measures may be stories, floors, subdivisions, departments, housing units. – In transportation projects, distance (ft. or mile can be used, but division by stations (100 ft. ) is most common) is general.

Elements of the LSM (cont. ) • Time – Hours, days, week, or month - depends on the total project time and level of detail desired in the schedule. – Preferable to prepare the schedule based on working days and convert to calendar days only at the end. • Activity Production Rates – Obtained by the usual estimating methods as a function of the activity, equip. characteristics, labor, and job conditions. – The initial rate should be associated with the min. direct cost of accomplishing the single activity.

Elements of the LSM (cont. ) • Activity Interruption and Restraint – Prod. Rate may vary with locations or time periods. – Progress may be interrupted intentionally and restraints may occur between activities due to limited equip. or crews. • Buffers – When const. Activities progress continuously in a chain, some spacing between activities is required. – This spacing serves as a buffer and may be required distance or time interval between activities.