Application of CYCLONE in the Optimization of Top-Down Earthwork Construction Machine Arrangement

There are many difficulties in top-down earthwork construction, such as great difficulty in excavation, long time in construction and the diversity and complexity in arranging machine, etc. Cyclic operation network (CYCLONE) apply queueing theory and simulation technique to network planning technique, through the simulation of cyclic construction process and stochastic process, provide complete decision-making for cyclic construction process. It is acceptable for the analysis and resource optimization of cyclic construction process. This paper grasps the key factors in performing top-down earthwork construction, applies CYCLONE in the process. Subject to the characteristics and corresponding construction process of top-down earthwork construction, nodes with different type and functions were set to fulfill the different tasks in simulation, and then reasonable CYCLONE was build. At last computer simulation technique was used to simulate the whole construction process. And different simulation result for different machine arrangement plan was got. By the analysis of different simulation result, we can make choice of the best machine arrangement plan. This method is helpful for the construction organization planning of top-down earthwork project.