Continuous and combined event-process models for simulating pipeline construction

A continuous model and a combined event-process discrete model are developed by employing the Slam II general purpose simulation language. The continuous model addressed the on-going progress of the construction process on a higher level; and the combined event-process discrete model describes the pipeline construction on the operational level. Resource sharing and related issues also are investigated in the two models through an actual gas line project adopted for the purpose of this research. A comparison of the two models provides insights into the modelling approaches. It is concluded that the combined event-process model is more flexible and more powerful for modelling complex construction operations than the continuous model, but at the price of requiring a better understanding of the actual operations and more detailed information.