Construction projects are not limited to just one category. These are divided into various types according to the scope and type of construction. These include commercial, residential, industrial, and infrastructural projects. Scheduling of each project is done according to its type, to ensure its timely completion.
The critical path method and Gantt charts are two of the most important scheduling tools and techniques widely used in the construction industry across the globe. However, the scheduling techniques do not prove much helpful in the case of linear construction projects. This is the type of construction project which includes repetitive activities in various locations. They include construction projects like
- Roads
- Bridges
- Tunnels
- Airport runways
- Railway lines
In such projects, the time distance diagram proves much more beneficial and improves scheduling as well.
This article will help you explore the benefits of a time-distance diagram in construction scheduling in detail.
Top 5 Benefits of Time Distance Diagram in Construction Projects
Time distance diagram is a scheduling tool representing the schedule in two dimensions, i.e., time and distance, thus the name time-distance diagram. It is also termed as a linear schedule. Time is represented on the vertical axis, distance on the horizontal, and activities as slopping lines. The time distance diagram illustrates:
- Location of construction activity
- Direction of progress
- Overall progress
- Production rate
The following are some of the benefits of using this technique in construction projects.
1. Easy and Convenient in Use
The time-distance diagram is quite easy and convenient to use. This ease and convenience extend to understanding. In the case of Gantt charts, the workers have to develop a lengthy schedule comprising of a number of pages, which does not even provide all the details.
On the other hand, the time distance diagram sheds light on the issues, constraints, productivity rate, future forecast, and delay issues of the projects as well. It ensures the identification of problems in advance and utilizing proper measures for their fixture. The construction parties also hire construction delay experts who make the most of the time distance diagrams and avoid disrupting project completion.
2. Boosts Communication
Communication is the key to smooth project completion, whether it is in the construction industry or any other. The greatest benefit of using this technique in construction scheduling is that it highly boosts the communication in any project.
The time distance diagram majorly focuses on representing the time, location, progress, constraints, and various other issues regarding construction. Everything is quite evident in the diagram, which helps the involved parties communicate and work without any issues.
3. Supports Risk Identification and Analysis
Risk identification and analysis in the scheduling or early phase of construction are among the most important requirements of linear projects. The complex Gantt charts do not serve the purpose because they are sometimes inaccurate and confusing.
The construction parties cannot rely on a doubtful schedule. In such a scenario, the time distance diagram proves beneficial. It helps reflect on the scope and progress of the entire project in one view, identify the risks which can threaten progress, and mitigate them on time.
4. Utilizes Fewer Resources
Developing a construction schedule requires expert-level skills, as well as resources. The construction parties often have to hire scheduling experts to develop the Gantt chart or critical path method. However, the time distance diagram is simple and requires fewer resources.
It proves beneficial in the scheduling of construction projects because it is simple to develop and understand. The workers can easily develop it independently by getting a little help and guidance from higher management. So, it saves their cost and time of finding experts.
5. Ensures Effective Decision Making
One of the greatest benefits of a time-distance diagram is that it ensures effective decision making. Timely decisions can save the project, and negligence in it can ruin the project without any doubt. The time distance diagram highlights the constraints, historical constraints, and future forecasts of the project.
If there is any issue in progress, you can make a wise decision in the light of the diagram and save the project from the expected delay. If you are unable to come up with strategies, you can hire delay experts to monitor progress and implement the necessary strategies to follow the schedule and ensure project completion before due time.
Utilize a simplistic time distance diagram to enjoy benefits!
The purpose of the construction schedule is to ensure the timely completion of the project. In the Gantt chart and critical path method, the involved parties are unable to draw every detail about the project, which impacts their understanding and progress of the project.
On the other hand, the time distance diagram helps them review the progress according to the time and length of the project without any difficulty. So, if you are facing problems in scheduling, utilize this technique. If you are still unable to control delays, hire professional consultants, and improve the progress of your project.
