Available online at www.sciencedirect.

com

ScienceDirect
Procedia Engineering 123 (2015) 162 – 168

Creative Construction Conference 2015 (CCC2015)

Graphical modelling classification for construction project

scheduling
Adel Francis, PEng., Ph.D.*
Department of Construction Engineering, École de technologie supérieure, University of Quebec, Canada, adel.francis@etsmtl.ca

Abstract

The main goals of graphical modelling and data visualization are to communicate information clearly and effectively through
graphical means. Little research has been undertaken in this area and current scheduling methods seem to be unable, individually,
to meet all of the planner's needs, to be understood visually, and to be efficient in terms of displaying as much information as
possible. We have analyzed the graphical modelling visual parameters and variables, and their associated values (tabular,
graphical, colors, shapes, fills, borders, patterns, text, fonts, etc.), defined the graphical approach of existing scheduling methods,
and developed a new classification for construction projects’ scheduling. Scheduling methods are classified into seven (7)
categories: Table Series, Cross-tabulation Series, Pure Logic Series, Time-Scaled Series, Chrono Series, CAD Series, and Chart
Series. This classification illustrates how the information can be presented using different strategies resulting in the presentation
of the same project schedule through different compatible approaches. The planner has the ability to switch from one approach to
another by changing the graphical parameters. In this way, graphic representation becomes a living, transformable image, thus
assisting planners in solving problems of a variable nature, and simplifying site management while simultaneously utilizing the
visual space as efficiently as possible.
©©2015
2015The
TheAuthors.
Authors. Published
Published by Elsevier
by Elsevier Ltd. Ltd.
This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license
Peer-review under responsibility of the organizing committee of the Creative Construction Conference 2015.
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Peer-review under responsibility of the organizing committee of the Creative Construction Conference 2015
Keywords: Modeling, Scheduling, Chronographical, Visualization, Construction Project

1. Project Modeling

A model is a form of representation designed to aid the visualization of an item that cannot be observed directly,
either because it has not yet been constructed or because it is abstract [1]. To construct a model, we isolate a class of

* Corresponding author. Tel.: 1-514-396-8415; fax: 1-514-8584.

E-mail address: adel.francis@etsmtl.ca

1877-7058 © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Peer-review under responsibility of the organizing committee of the Creative Construction Conference 2015
doi:10.1016/j.proeng.2015.10.073
 Adel Francis / Procedia Engineering 123 (2015) 162 – 168 163

phenomena and we try to reproduce their behavior using a certain number of hypotheses and laws [2]. Being a
simplification of reality, any model has its limitations. It is essential that the user be aware and be conscious of the
validity of the results.

The development of new visualization systems must take into account the following three approaches: i)
Technology-driven: what can be done with current technology; ii) Perception-driven: what makes sense considering
the constraints on human visualization; and iii) Task-driven: what the user wants [3]. Considerable effort has been
put forth towards the Technology-driven approach, where advancements in terms of information technology are
remarkable. However, little attention has been given to the Perception-driven and Task-driven approaches. The fact
remains that the current planning methods and software only partially meets the demands of managers.

According to Tufte [4], graphical quality is what allows the reader the greatest number of ideas within a
minimum timeframe, with the least possible writing, in the smallest possible space. The main purpose of
Chronographical Modelling is based on exactly this idea. The current concern lies in studying the modalities of
information representation. The Chronographical Approach describes how schedule information can be
communicated using tabular and graphical interfaces, in order to manage specialties, locations, means, processes and
constraints on different strata and show them either separately or combined using layering, sheeting, juxtaposition,
alterations and permutations while allowing for groupings, hierarchies and the classification of project information.
The modeling detail for this series is well-explained with Chronographical Modeling [5 to 10]

In the case of construction scheduling, the model represents a simplified visual representation of the future
unfolding of operations. Due to the availability of a large amount of data, the project planning involves the use of
complex information and therefore, the model becomes more and more elaborate in scope. Managers must deal with
various project types and are confronted with problems of different natures. Modelling information using several
strategies and displaying them using numerous points of view seems to be appropriate as a decision-making tool. It
is thus relevant to model simultaneously more than one scenario and to perform analyses in order to improve works
coordination, optimize performance execution, reduce risks and minimize uncertainties.

This paper classifies scheduling methods into seven (7) categories: Table Series, Cross-tabulation Series, Pure
Logic Series, Time-Scaled Series, Chrono Series, CAD Series, and Chart Series. Classification illustrates how the
information can be presented using different strategies. The graphical communication method presents the projects
through different compatible approaches; each approach can help the manager to schedule a certain project type or
specialty, show valuable information in a clear and comprehensive manner, solve various kinds of problems, and
simplify site management.

2. Project planning modeling classification

The Chronographic Modeling defines the Physical Entities (Figure 1) that represent all the elements required to
perform the construction operations (e.g. activities, labors, permanent materials). These Physical Entities can be
modeled using tabular and graphical means. Models illustrate how the information can be presented using different
strategies through layering, sheeting, juxtaposition, alterations and permutations, allowing for groupings, hierarchies
and classification of project information. For each strategy we have analyzed the graphical modelling visual
parameters and variables, and their associated values (tabular, graphical, colors, shapes, fills, borders, patterns, text,
fonts, etc.), defined the graphical approach of existing scheduling methods, and developed a new classification for
the construction project’s scheduling. The result is the presentation of the same project schedule through different
compatible approaches. The planner has the ability to switch from one approach to another by changing the
graphical parameters. In this way, graphic representation becomes a living, transformable image, thus assisting
planners in solving problems of a variable nature, and simplifying site management while simultaneously utilizing
the visual space as efficiently as possible.
164 Adel Francis / Procedia Engineering 123 (2015) 162 – 168

Products & Operations

Material, Manpower, Tabular modelling Graphical modelling
Table Series Pure Logic Series
Equipment & Contrats Time scaled Series
Cross-tabulation Series
Stage; Zone; Envelope; Exterior Chrono Series
Cad Series
Charts Series

Figure 1. Modeling Theory Classification for Project Scheduling.

Table 1 shows the classification that illustrates the different modeling strategies for planning projects. This
classification illustrates how the information is presented using different modeling strategies, all in order to be able
to respond to the need of the schedulers. Scheduling methods are classified in seven (7) categories: Table Series,
Cross-tabulation Series, Pure Logic Series, Time-Scaled Series, Chrono Series, CAD Series, and Chart Series.
Classification illustrates how the information can be presented using different strategies.

Table 1. Modeling Theory Classification for Project Scheduling.

Table Cross-Tabulation Pure Logic Tim e-Scaled Chrono Cad

Chart Series
Series Series Series Series Series Series

TaskTable Work-Task ADM Bar Charts ChronoGraph Sched/Cad2D Column charts

RessTable Work-Resources PDM Fenced BarChart ChronoNetw ork 4D CAD Line charts

CostTable Work-Area PERT PNA ChronoBar 5D CAD Pie charts

WokTable Resource-Area Decision-Box PDM / ADM ChronoTask 6D CAD Bar charts

Follow Table Date-Time GERT LOB / LSM ChronoRess 7D CAD Area charts

VERT ChronoWorkArea 8D CAD XY (scatter) charts

Simulation ChronoLinear Bubble charts

ChronoCash Radar charts

Table Series: Tables of data that generally characterize an entity (ex: activities) on the y-axis and the information
relative to this entity (ex: ID, name, duration, predecessor, successor, Early-Start etc.) on the x-axis. These tables are
usually those generated using commercial scheduling software. Tables are widely employed to plan and control
construction projects. Their itemization of the project’s data in a clear and structured way and their functions of
sorting and filtering information by applying several keys and various conditions give them a significant advantage.
However, they fail to clearly present the project execution sequence, which diminishes their utility as a decision
tool.

Cross-tabulation Series: Tables that present analytical data and show the interrelation between two entities. This
paper discusses this type of series (See section 3) in detail.

Pure Logic Series: Deterministic or probabilistic schedule based on graph theory or on simulation modeling. All
graphical non-time-scaled schedule models belong to this category. These include, as example, the following
methods: Arrow Diagram Method (ADM), Precedence Diagram Method (PDM), Program Evaluation and Review
Technique (PERT), Decision-Box, Graphical Evaluation and Review Technique (GERT); Venture Evaluation and
Review Technique (VERT).
 Adel Francis / Procedia Engineering 123 (2015) 162 – 168 165

Time-Scaled Series: Deterministic or probabilistic time-scaled schedule models. These include, as example, the
following methods: Bar Charts (Gantt diagram), Fenced Bar Chart, Pictorial Network Analysis (PNA), Time-Scaled
Arrow Diagram Method, Time-Scaled Precedence Diagram Method, Gantt/Precedence, Line Of Balance (LOB),
Vertical Production Method (VPM), Linear Scheduling Method (LSM), Time Space Scheduling Method.

Chrono Series: Presents the project scheduling based on Chronographical modeling. Chronographical Modeling
analyses the graphical representation of the schedule and discusses the suitable visual parameters that model the
construction operation, establishes constraints, and determines directions and scales. The planner can schedule the
construction operation by laying out project information under diverse approaches and can switch from one
representation to another by changing the modelling parameters. The main goal is to communicate information
clearly and effectively using tabular and graphical means.

CAD Series: A modeling technique that links a CAD 2D or 3D Model to a construction schedule by representing
time as the 4th dimension; Resources and Costs for the 5th dimension; Sustainability for the 6th dimension;
Facilities and Asset management for the 7th dimension; Post Occupancy for the 8th dimension, etc. Thus,
managers can visualize the progress of construction as a function of the project schedule.

Chart Series: A graphical representation of data using column, line, pie, bar, area, XY, bubble or radar charts.

3. The Cross-tabulation Series

The Cross-tabulation Series present and show analytical interrelations between a project’s Physical Entities data
using tables. Physical Entities represent all the elements required to perform the construction operations (e.g. Work:
Products & Operations; Resources: Material, Manpower, Equipment & Contracts; Areas: Stage; Zone; Envelope;
Exterior). This section presents detail of this type of series.

3.1. Work-Task Cross-tabulation Series

The Work-Task Cross-tabulation Series is a table that shows the relationship between the project Work
(Products, Operations or Activities) that usually represents the table rows, and their related tasks that represent the
table columns. The value of the table fields can shows several types of information such as dates, responsible or
states. Table 2 presents a relation between the project activities (such as the installation of several pieces of
equipment) and their execution process tasks (shop drawing, approval, etc.). The value of the table fields shows the
process dates. This presentation improves process monitoring.
Table 2. Work-Task Cross-tabulation Series
Instrumentation
Shop Drawings

Tasks
Fabrication

Installation
Approval

Control

Code

Equipments

17000 Process Mechanics

17100 Screening
17101 Automatic Screen 24 Nov 2002 08 dec 2002 30 Ma r 2003 01 Apr 2003 04 Ma y 2003
17102 Screenings Chute 27 Oct 2002 11 Ja n 2013 30 Ma r 2003 01 Apr 2003 05 Ma y 2003
17103 Screenings Conveyor 01 Dec 2002 15 Dec 2002 30 Ma r 2003 04 Apr 2003 05 Ma y 2003
17104 Screening Press Compac. 02 Dec 2002 16 Dec 2002 30 Ma r 2003 04 Apr 2003 04 Ma y 2003
17105 Manual Screen 27 Oct 2002 01 Nov 2002 03 Feb 2003 16 Ma r 2003 -
17300 Sludge Treatment
17350 Sludge Dewatering Syst. 20 Oct 2002 11 Nov 2002 10 Feb 2003 09 Ma r 2003 07 Ma y 2003
17380 Sludge Mixer 12 Nov 2002 18 Nov 2002 19 Ma r 2003 20 Apr 2003 -
17431 Polymer Prep. System 10 Oct 2002 11 Nov 2002 23 Ma r 2003 10 Apr 2003 08 Ma y 2003
17432 Polymer Dosing Pumps 20 Oct 2002 20 Nov 2002 19 Ma r 2003 15 Apr 2003 08 Ma y 2003
166 Adel Francis / Procedia Engineering 123 (2015) 162 – 168

3.2. Work-Resources Cross-tabulation Series

Work-Resources Cross-tabulation Series is a table that shows the relationship between the project Work
(Products, Operations or Activities) that usually represents the table rows and the resources that represents the table
columns. The value of the table fields can shows several types of information such as dates, costs or states. Table 3
presents a relation between the project activities (such as the installation of several pieces of equipment) and the
sub-contractors that executes the work. The value of the table fields shows the execution start dates.
Table 3. Work-Resources Cross-tabulation Series

H Fontaine
Degrement
Team

Fournier

US Filter
Filtrum
Code
Installation
17000 Process Mechanics
17100 Screening
17101 Automatic Screen 01 Apr 2003
17102 Screenings Chute 01 Apr 2003
17103 Screenings Conveyor 04 Apr 2003
17104 Screening Press Compac. 04 Apr 2003
17105 Manual Screen 16 Ma r 2003
17300 Sludge Treatment
17350 Sludge Dewatering Syst. 09 Ma r 2003
17380 Sludge Mixer 20 Apr 2003
17431 Polymer Prep. System 10 Apr 2003
17432 Polymer Dosing Pumps 15 Apr 2003

3.3. Work-Area Cross-tabulation Series

Work-Area Cross-tabulation Series is a table that shows the relationship between the project Work (Products,
Operations or Activities) that usually represents the table rows, and their execution zones that represents the table
columns. The value of the table fields shows several types of information such as dates, responsible, costs or states.
Table 4 presents a relation between the project activities (such as the installation of several pieces of equipment) and
their execution zones. The value of the table fields shows the execution start dates. This presentation defines, in each
zone, the work that should be performed and the dates of intervention. The table fields cans also show the sub-
contractors that execute the work.
Table 4. Work-Area Cross-tabulation Series
Zone 1

Zone 2

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zones
Code
Installation
17000 Process Mechanics
17100 Screening
17101 Automatic Screen 01 Apr 2003
17102 Screenings Chute 01 Apr 2003
17103 Screenings Conveyor 04 Apr 2003 05 Apr 2003
17104 Screening Press Compac. 04 Apr 2003
17105 Manual Screen 16 Ma r 2003
17300 Sludge Treatment
17350 Sludge Dewatering Syst. 09 Ma r 2003
17380 Sludge Mixer 20 Apr 2003
17431 Polymer Prep. System 10 Apr 2003
17432 Polymer Dosing Pumps 15 Apr 2003
 Adel Francis / Procedia Engineering 123 (2015) 162 – 168 167

3.4. Date-Time Cross-tabulation Series

Date-Time Cross-tabulation Series is a table that shows the time schedule for each date. The value of the table
fields usually shows the activities. Table 5 represents a conference session schedule, the date and the time for each
session.

Table 5. Date-Time Cross-tabulation Series

May 2005

Date Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Time 8 9 10 11 12

9:00 AM
Inscription Scope Time Risk
Discussion
9:30 AM Mgnt Mgnt Mgnt
Session 1
Session 1 Session 1 Session 1
10:00 AM Openning

10:30 AM
Project Scope Time Risk
Discussion
11:00 AM Mgnt Mgnt Mgnt Mgnt
Session 2
Session 1 Session 2 Session 2 Session 2
11:30 AM

12:00 PM

12:30 PM Dinner

1:00 PM

1:30 PM
Project Quality Cost Ressource
Discussion
2:00 PM Mgnt Mgnt Mgnt Mgnt
Session 3
Session 2 Session 1 Session 1 Session 1
2:30 PM

3:00 PM
Project Quality Cost Ressource
Discussion
3:30 PM Mgnt Mgnt Mgnt Mgnt
Session 4
Session 3 Session 2 Session 2 Session 2
4:00 PM

3.5. Resource-Area Cross-tabulation Series

The Resource-Area Cross-tabulation Series is a table that shows the relationship between the project resources
that usually represent the table rows, and the execution zones that represent the table columns. The value of the table
fields can shows several information as activities codes, dates, costs or states. Table 6 presents a relation between
the project sub-contractors and the locations where they will execute the activities for which they are responsible.
The value, of the table fields shows the activity codes. The table fields can also show the activity codes. This
presentation defines, for each resource, the location of the relevant activities.

Table 6. Resource-Area Cross-tabulation Series

Zone 1

Zone 2

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zones
Team

Filtrum 17105 17380

17102 17101
Degrement 17104
17103 17103
Fournier 17350
17431
US Filter
17432
H Fontaine
168 Adel Francis / Procedia Engineering 123 (2015) 162 – 168

4. Conclusion

This paper classified graphical modelling scheduling into seven (7) categories: Table Series, Cross-tabulation
Series, Pure Logic Series, Time-Scaled Series, Chrono Series, CAD Series, and Chart Series. Classification
illustrates how the information can be presented using different strategies. The paper presents in detail the Cross-
tabulation Series and details five (5) approaches: i) Work-Task, ii) Work-Resources, iii) Work-Area, iv) Date-Time,
and v) Resource-Area Cross-tabulation. The Cross-tabulation Series shows the analytical interrelation between the
project’s Physical Entities data using tables. Physical Entities represent all the elements required to perform the
construction operations. The Chrono Series, that presents the project scheduling based on Chronographical
Modeling, considered to be the masterpiece of our modeling classification, has been well-explained in previous
publications. The Chrono Series analyses the graphical representation of the schedule and discusses the suitable
visual parameters that model the construction operation, establishes constraints, and determines directions and
scales. The planner can schedule the construction operation by laying out project information under diverse
approaches and can switch from one representation to another by changing the modelling parameters. The main goal
is to communicate information clearly and effectively using tabular and graphical means.

References
[1] Wideman, R. M., Modeling Project Management, AEW Services, Vancouver, BC., 2003.
[2] Legay, J. M. L'expérience et le modèle, un discours sur la méthode INRA, Paris, 1997.
[3] Encarnacao, J., Foley, J., Bryson, S., Feiner, S. K. and Gershon, N. 1994. Research issues in perception and user interfaces. Computer
Graphics and Applications, IEEE, 14(2): 67-69.
[4] Tufte, E.R. The Visual Display of Quantitative Information, Cheshire, CT, USA, Graphics Press, 1983.
[5] Francis, A., Miresco, E. (2000). Decision Support for Project Management Using a Chronographic Approach. Proceedings of the 2nd
International Conference on Decision Making in Urban and Civil Engineering, Lyon, France, pp. 845 –856.
[6] Francis, A., Miresco, E. (2002). Decision Support for Project Management Using a Chronographique Approach. Journal of Decision Systems,
Special issue JDS-DM in UCE: Decision Making in Urban and Civil Engineering, 11(3-4): 383-404.
[7] Francis, A. (2004). La méthode chronographique pour la planification des projets. Thèse de doctorat (20), École de technologie supérieure,
Montréal, Université du Québec.
[8] Francis, A., Miresco, E. (2013). Applying the Chronographical Approach to the modelling of multi-storey building projects. Proceedings of
the 4th International Construction Specialty Conference, CSCE 2013 annual meeting, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, CON-180(1-10).
[9] Francis, A. (2013). The Chronographical Approach for construction project modelling, Management, Procurement and Law, 166(4): 188-204.
[10] Francis, A. (2015). Applying the chronographical approach for modelling to different types of projects. Proceedings of the 5th
International/11th Construction Specialty Conference (ICSC 15), Vancouver, BC, Canada, 101(1-9)