Simulation-based planning model for table formwork operation in tall building construction

Operation planning for table formwork using a crane-independent lifting system (CLS) is a crucial factor affecting productivity for formwork in tall building construction. Inappropriate heuristic operation plans are likely to increase work duration because of temporarily displaced stacks of table forms, and may also increase costs because of excessive use of equipment. The authors propose a simulation-based operation planning model for table formwork for efficient operations in tall building construction. By optimizing the shifting sequence of table forms and the location of the CLS in a case study, the proposed model reduced working hours for table forms by 6.62% from the working hours derived by a heuristic approach. Furthermore, the derived alternatives reduced working hours by a maximum of 45%, depending on the number of trolleys used. This study can be utilized for informed decision-making by construction workers in tall building construction while selecting the optimal operation plan for table forms by considering project cost and schedule.