CHAPTER 4

PROJECT SCHEDULING

In chapter 3, the AOA and AON networks were presented, also the time and cost of
individual activities based were calculated. Yet, however, we do not know how long is
the total project duration. Also, we need to evaluate the early and late times at which
activities start and finish. In addition, since real-life projects involve hundreds of
activities, it is important to identify the group of critical activities so that special care is
taken to make sure they are not delayed. All these statements are the basic objectives of
the scheduling process, which adds a time dimension to the planning process. In other
words, we can briefly state that: Scheduling = Planning + Time.

Scheduling is the determination of the timing of the activities comprising the project to
enable managers to execute the project in a timely manner. The project scheduling id
sued for:
- Knowing the activities timing and the project completion time.
- Having resources available on site in the correct time.
- Making correction actions if schedule shows that the plan will result in late
completion.
- Assessing the value of penalties on project late completion.
- Determining the project cash flow.
- Evaluating the effect of change orders on the project completion time.
- Determining the value pf project delay and the responsible parties.

Construction Management 74 Dr. Emad Elbeltagi

4.1 The Critical Path Method

The most widely used scheduling technique is the critical path method (CPM) for
scheduling. This method calculates the minimum completion time for a project along
with the possible start and finish times for the project activities. Many texts and managers
regard critical path scheduling as the only usable and practical scheduling procedure.
Computer programs and algorithms for critical path scheduling are widely available and
can efficiently handle projects with thousands of activities.

The critical path itself represents the set or sequence of activities which will take the
longest time to complete. The duration of the critical path is the sum of the activities'
durations along the path. Thus, the critical path can be defined as the longest possible
path through the "network" of project activities. The duration of the critical path
represents the minimum time required to complete a project. Any delays along the critical
path would imply that additional time would be required to complete the project.

There may be more than one critical path among all the project activities, so completion
of the entire project could be delayed by delaying activities along any one of the critical
paths. For example, a project consisting of two activities performed in parallel that each
requires three days would have each activity critical for a completion in three days.
Formally, critical path scheduling assumes that a project has been divided into activities
of fixed duration and well defined predecessor relationships. A predecessor relationship
implies that one activity must come before another in the schedule.

The CPM is a systematic scheduling method for a project network and involves four main
steps:

- A forward path to determine activities early-start times;

- A backward path to determine activities late-finish times;
- Float calculations; and
- Identifying critical activities.

Construction Management 75 Dr. Emad Elbeltagi

4.2 Calculations for the Critical Path Method

The inputs to network scheduling of any project are simply the AOA or the AON
networks with the individual activity duration defined. The network scheduling process
for AOA and AON networks, however, is different. To demonstrate these two techniques,
let’s consider a simple 5-activity project, with activity A at the start, followed by three
parallel activities B, C, and D; which are then succeeded by activity E. The AOA or the
AON networks of this example are presented in Figure 4.1. Detailed analysis of theses
AOA or the AON networks are presented in the following subsections. It is noted that the
example at hand involves only simple finish-to-start relationships among activities.

5
B (3) d1

A (3) C (4) E (5)

1 3 9 11
D (6) d2

7
Activity (duration)
i j (a - AOA)

B
(3)

A C E
(3) (4) (5)

Activity
(Duration) D (b - AON)
(6)
Figure 4.1: Network example

4.2.1 Activity-On-Arrow Networks Calculations

The objective of arrow network analysis is to compute for each event in the network its
early and late timings. These times are defined as:

- Early event time (ET) is the earliest time at which an event can occur, considering
the duration of preceding activities.

Construction Management 76 Dr. Emad Elbeltagi

 - Late event time (LT) is the latest time at which an event can occur if the project is
to be completed on schedule.

Forward Path

The forward path determines the early-start times of activities. The forward path proceeds
from the most left node in the network (node 1 – Figure 4.2) and moves to the right,
putting the calculations inside the shaded boxes to the left.

Each node in the network, in fact, is a point at which some activities end (head arrows
coming into the node), as shown in Figure 4.3. That node is also a point at which some
activities start (tail arrows of successor activities). Certainly, all successor activities can
start only after the latest predecessor is finished. Therefore, for the forward path to
determine the early-start (ES) time of an activity, we have to look at the head arrows
coming into the start node of the activity. We then have to set the activity ES time as the
latest finish time of all predecessors.

5
B (3) d1

1 A (3) 3 C (4) 9 E (5) 11

D (6) d2

Figure 4.2: Preparation for the forward path

Predecessor 1
Successor 1

Predecessor 2 no.

Predecessor 3 Successor 2

Figure 4.3: A node in an AOA network

Construction Management 77 Dr. Emad Elbeltagi

In this example, the forward path calculations are as follows:
- Start at node 1, the first node of the project, and assign it an early-start time of zero.
Here, all activity times use an end-of-day notation. Therefore, the ES of activity A is
zero means that activity starts at end of day zero, or the beginning of day 1 in the
project.

- Then, move to node 3. This node receives one head arrow, and as such, it has one
predecessor, activity A. Since the predecessor started on time zero and has 3 days
duration, then, it ends early at time 3 (Early-Finish (EF) = Early-Start (ES) + d).
Accordingly, the ES time of all successor activities to node 3 (activities B, C, and D)
is time 3. This value is therefore, put in the shaded box on top of node 3, as shown in
Figure 4.4.

6
3+3=6

Project ES+d=EF 5
start=0 0+3=3
B d1 14
0 3 3 9+5=14
A C E
1 3 9 11
d=3 4 5
D d2 9
6 6+0=6
3+4=7 or
7 9+0=9
9
3+6=9

Figure 4.4: Forward path calculations in AOA networks

- Now, move forward to successor nodes 5, 7, and 9. However, since node 9 is linked
to nodes 5 and 9 by dummy activities, we begin with nodes 5 and 7. Node 5 receives
one head arrow from its predecessor activity B, we evaluate the EF time of B as 6 (ES
(3) + d (3)). Successor activities to node 5, therefore, can have an ES time of 6.
Similarly, the ES time at node 7 is calculated as time 9.

- Moving to node 9, the EF times of its 3 predecessors (d1, C, and d2) are time 6, 7,
and 9, respectively. Accordingly, the ES time of successor activities is the largest

Construction Management 78 Dr. Emad Elbeltagi

 value 9. Notice that only the largest EF value of predecessor activities is used to
calculate the ES of successor activities and all other values not used. As such, only
ES values can be directly read from the calculations in Figure 4.4. EF values, on the
other hand can be calculated as EF = ES + d.

- The last node (11) receives one head arrow, activity E which has an ES value of 9.
The EF time of activity E, therefore =9 + 5 = time 14. Since node 11 is the last node,
the EF of this node becomes the end of the project, reaching total project duration of
14 days.

Generally, for any activity x connecting between nodes i and j as shown in Figure 4.5, the
calculations as follows:

ETi LTi ETj LTj

` x
i j
dx

Figure 4.5: Activity times

ETj = ETi + dx
(4.1)
In case of more than one arrow terminating at node j, then consider the largest value.

Accordingly, ESx = ETi (4.2)

EFx = ESx +dx (4.3)

Backward Path

The backward path determines the late-finish (LF) times of activities by proceeding
backward from the end node to the starting node of the AOA network. We put the LF
values in the right side boxes adjacent to the nodes, as shown in Figure 4.6. For the
example at hand, we do the following:

Construction Management 79 Dr. Emad Elbeltagi

 6 9
9-0=9
9-3=6,
9-4=5, or 5
3-3=0 9-6=3 B d1 14 14
0 0 3 3 3
A C E
1 3 9 11
3 4 5
D d2 9 9
6 14-5=9
LF-d=LS
7
9 9
9-0=9

Figure 4.6: Backward path calculations in AOA networks

- Start from the last node of the network (node 11) and we transfer the early-finish
value from the left box to be the late-finish (LF) value at the right side box.

- Then, move backward to node 9 which has only one tail arrow of activity E. With the
LF time of E being time 14, its LS time becomes LS = LF - d = 14 – 5 = time 9. At
node 9, therefore, time 9 becomes the LF time of the predecessor activities of this
node.

- Moving backward to predecessor nodes 5, and 7. Node 5 has one tail arrow of the
dummy activity d1, and as such, the LF time value to be used at node 5 becomes 9.
Similarly, the LF time value of node 7 becomes 9.

- Moving to node 3, we evaluate the LS time of its 3 successor activities B, C, and D as

6, 5, and 3, respectively. The LF time at node 3, therefore, becomes the smallest value
3. With other LS values not used, the values in the calculation boxes, as such, directly
show the LF times of activities. LS times can be calculated as LS = LF – d.

- Now, proceed to the first node in the network (node 1). It connects to one tail arrow
of activity A. The LS time of A, therefore, is LS = LF – d = 3 – 3 = 0, a necessary
check to ensure the correctness of the calculation.

Construction Management 80 Dr. Emad Elbeltagi

Having Figure 4.5 again in mind and to generalize the calculations, for any activity x
connecting between nodes i and j, the calculations as follows:

LTi = LTj - dx (4.4)

In case of more than one arrow leaving node i, then consider the smallest value.

Accordingly, LFx = LTj (4.5)

LSx = LFx -dx (4.6)

Float Calculations

Once forward path and backward path calculations are complete, it is possible to analyze
the activity times. First, let's tabulate the information we have as shown in Table 4.1. One
important aspect is Total-Float (TF) calculations, which determine the flexibility of an
activity to be delayed. Notice in Table 4.1 that some activities such as activity A has ES
time = LS time, and its EF time = LF time, indicating no slack time for the activity. Other
activities such as B can start early at time 3 and late at time 6, indicating a 3-day of total
float. Float calculations can be illustrated as shown in Figure 4.7 for any activity.

Table 4.1: CPM results

Early Start Late Finish Late Start Early Finish Total Float Critical
Activity Duration
(ES) (LF) (LS) (EF) (TF) Activity
A 3 0 3 0 3 0 Yes
B 3 3 9 6 6 3 No
C 4 3 9 5 7 2 No
D 6 3 9 3 9 0 Yes
E 5 9 14 9 14 0 Yes

Figure 4.7 shows two ways of scheduling each activity using its activity times. One way
is to schedule it as early as possible (using its ES time). The other way is as late as

Construction Management 81 Dr. Emad Elbeltagi

possible (using its LS time). The activity float can, therefore, be represented by the
following relationships:

Total Float (TF) = LF – EF (4.7)

= LS – ES (4.8)

Name
i duration = d j

ET LT ET LT
ES = ETi ETj LF = LTj
ES EF=ES+d Total Float
a) Activity is early d LF

ES Total Float LS=LF-d

b) Activity is late d LF
d Free Float (FF)
Total time available for the activity = LF - ES

Figure 4.7: Float calculations

Also, with the ES and LF times directly read from the boxes used in forward and
backward path calculations, the total float can also be calculated as; TF = LF – ES – d.
Using these relationships, activities total floats are calculated as shown in Table 4.1.

Another type of float often used in network analysis is the Free Float, which can be
calculated as:

Free Float (FF) = ETj – ETi – d (4.9)

or FF = smallest ES (of succeeding activities) – EF (of current activity) (4.10)

The free float defines the amount of time that an activity can be delayed without affecting
any succeeding activity. With free float available for an activity, a project manager

Construction Management 82 Dr. Emad Elbeltagi

knows that the float can be used without changes the status of any non-critical activity to
become critical.

Identifying the Critical Activities

Activities with zero total floats mean that they have to be constructed right at their
schedule times, without delays. These activities are considered to be critical. They
deserve the special attention of the project manager because any delay in critical
activities causes a delay in the project duration.

One interesting observation in the results of CPM analysis is that critical activities form a
continuous path of the critical activities that spans from the beginning to the end of the
network. In our example, activities A, D, and E (excluding dummy activities) are critical
and the critical path is indicated by bold lines on Figure 4.6. Notice that among the 3
paths in this example (A-B-E; A-C-E; and A-D-e), the critical path is the longest one, an
important characteristic of the critical path. In real-life projects with many activities, it is
possible that more than one critical path are formed. By definition, the length of these
critical paths is the same.

4.2.2 Precedence Diagram Method (PDM)

Precedence Diagram Method (PDM) is the CPM scheduling method used for AON
networks and it follows the same four steps of the CPM for AOA method.

Forward Path

Forward path can proceed from one activity to the other; the process is as follow (Figure
4.8):

- At activity A. It is the first activity in the network. We give it an early-start (ES) of 0

in the left top box. Adding the activity duration, we determine the EF time of the
activity and we put it in the top right box.

Construction Management 83 Dr. Emad Elbeltagi

 3 6
B (3)

6, 7, or 9
0 3 3 7 9 14
A (3) C (4) E (5)

Early start Ealry Finish 3 9

Name (duration) D (6)
Late start Late finish

Figure 4.8: Forward Path in PDM Analysis

- Then, move forward to the succeeding activities B, C, and D. These three activities
have only A as a predecessor with time 3 as its EF. As such, all the three activities
can start as early as time 3 (ES = 3). Each activity, accordingly, has its own EF time
based on its duration.

- Moving forward to activity E. This activity has 3 predecessors (3 head arrows) of

activities B, C, and D with their largest EF time being 9. The ES of activity E, thus,
with becomes time 9. Adding its duration, the EF becomes time 14.

To generalize the calculations consider Figure 4.9, of two activities i and j with
relationship finish to start and overlap between them. Overlaps will have a positive sign,
while lags will have a negative sign. The forward path calculations are as follows:

ESi EFi ESj EFj

overlapij
i (di) j (dj)
LSi LFi LSj LFj

Figure 4.9: Activities times in PDM Analysis

ESj = EFi - overlapij (4.11)

In case of more than one activity precedes activity j then consider the maximum. Then,
apply Equation 4.3 to calculate the early finish times.

Construction Management 84 Dr. Emad Elbeltagi

Backward Path

Once the forward path is finished, the backward path can start, moving from the last
activity to the first, putting the calculations in the bottom two boxes of each activity, as
shown in Figure 4.10. The process is as follows:

3 6
B (3)
6 9

0 3 3 7 9 14
A (3) C (4) E (5)
0 3 5 9 9 14
6, 5, or 3

Early start Early Finish 3 9

Name (duration) D (6)
Late start Late finish 3 9

Figure 4.10: Backward path in PDM analysis

- Start at the last activity E and we transfer the early-finish value to become the
activity's late-finish (LF) time. Then, subtracting the activity's own duration, the late-
start (LS) time is calculated as time 9 and put in the bottom left box of the activity.

- Moving backward to activities B, C, and D all have one successor (activity E) with
LS time of 9. The LF of all these activities becomes time 9. Each activity then has its
own LS time, as shown in Figure 4.10.

- Moving to activity A. The activity is linked to 3 tail arrows (i.e., has 3 successors) of
activities B, C, and D. The LF of activity A, thus, is the smallest of its successors' LS
times, or time 3. Activity A then has LS equals zero.
Considering Figure 3.9 again, the backward path calculations are as follows:

LFi = LSj + overlapij (4.12)

Construction Management 85 Dr. Emad Elbeltagi

In case of more than one activity succeeds activity j then consider the minimum. Then,
apply Equation 4.6 to calculate the late start times.

Notice that by the end of the backward path, all activity times can be read directly from
the boxes of information on the activity, without additional calculations. This also, makes
it simple to calculate the total float of each activity using the same relationships used in
the AOA analysis.

Identifying Critical Activities

Critical activities can also be easily determined as the ones having zero float times,
activities A, D, and E. The critical path is then shown in bold as Figure 4.10. The PDM
analysis, as explained, is a straight forward process in which each activity is considered
as an entity that stores its own information.

4.3 Time-Scaled Diagrams

Time-scaled diagrams are used extensively in the construction industry. Such diagrams
enable one to determine immediately which activities are scheduled to proceed at any
point in time and to monitor field progress. Also, it can be used to determine resources
need. The time scale used in time-scaled diagrams can be either the calendar dates or the
working periods (ordinary dates), or using both at the same time.

The activities are represented as arrows that drawn to scale to reflect the activity duration
it represents. The horizontal dashed lines represent total float for groups of activities and
free float for the immediate activity to the left of the dashed line. The precedence of an
activity is the immediate activities before it or that linked to it through vertical dashed
lines. The name and the duration of an activity are written above and below the arrow
representing it respectively (Figure 4.11). The ES, EF, and FF times of the activities can
be easily read directly from the diagram. The TF for an activity is the smallest sum of
succeeding FF on all paths. Accordingly, the LS and LF times can be easily calculated as
follows:

Construction Management 86 Dr. Emad Elbeltagi

 LSi = ESi + TFi (4.13)

LFi = LSi + Di (3.14)

The critical path can be easily determined as the continuous lines from the beginning to
the end of the network with any dashed lines. The main advantage of this diagram is its
simple representation and it can be sued directly for determining resources need.
However, its disadvantage is that it needs a great effort to be modified or updated. Also,
it cannot be used to represent overlapping activities. Figure 4.11 shows the time-scaled
diagram for the same 5-activities project solved previously using AOA and AON
networks.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

B
A C
D

Figure 4.11: Time-scaled diagram

The TF for activity A equals the smallest of the sum of the floats along all paths from the
end of activity A to the end of the project. The float on path ABE = 3, path ACE = 2 and
path ADE = 0, then the TF of activity A = 0. The calculations are shown in Table 3.2.

Table 4.2 Time-scaled diagram calculations

Activity ES EF FF TF LF=EF+TF LS=LF-d

A 0 3 0 0 3 0
B 3 6 3 3 9 6
C 3 7 2 2 9 5
D 3 9 0 0 9 3
E 9 14 0 0 14 9

Construction Management 87 Dr. Emad Elbeltagi

4.4 Schedule Presentation

After the AOA and AON calculations are made, it is important to present their results in a
format that is clear and understandable to all the parties involved in the project. The
simplest form is the Bar chart or Gantt chart, named after the person who first used it. A
bar chart is a time versus activity chart in which activities are plotted using their early or
late times, as shown in Figures 4.12 a and b. Early bar chart is drawn using the ES times
of activities, while the late bar chart is drawn using the LS times.

Activity
d=3
A
ES = 0 d=3 TF=3
B ES=3
d=4 TF=2
a) C ES=3
d=6
D ES=3
d=5
E ES=9

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Time

Activity
d=3
A LF=3
TF=3 d=3
B LF=9
TF=2 d=4
b)
C LF=9
d=6
D LF=9
d=5
E LF=14

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Time

Figure 4.12: a) Early bar chat b) Late bar chart

The bar chart representation, in fact, shows various details. Float times of activities,
critical activities can be shown in a different color, or bold borders, as shown in Figure
4.12. The bar chart can also be used for accumulating total daily resources and / or costs,
as shown at the bottom part of Figure 4.13. In this figure, the numbers on each activity
represent the number of labors needed.

Construction Management 88 Dr. Emad Elbeltagi

 Activity 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Time

2 2 2
A
2 2 2
B
1 1 1 1
C
3 3 3 3 3 3
D
1 1 1 1 1
E

6
6
Profile of the labor
resource demand 5
4
4
3 3
2
2
1
1

2 2 2 6 6 6 4 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 Total labors

Figure 4.13: Using bar chart to accumulate resources

One additional benefit of the bar chart is its use on site to plot and compare the actual
progress in the various activities to their scheduled times. An example is shown on Figure
4.13, showing actual bars plotted at the bottom of the original bars of the schedule.

4.5 Criticisms to Network Techniques

The CPM and PDM analyses for network scheduling provide very important information
that can be used to bring the project to success. Both methods, however, share some
drawbacks that require special attention from the project manager. These drawbacks are:

- Assume all required resources are available: The CPM calculations do not incorporate
resources into their formulation. Also, as they deal with activity durations only, it can
result in large resource fluctuations. Dealing with limited resources and resource
leveling, therefore, has to be done separately after the analysis;

Construction Management 89 Dr. Emad Elbeltagi

- Ignore project deadline: The formulations of CPM and PDM methods do not
incorporate a deadline duration to constrain project duration;

- Ignore project costs: Since CPM and PDM methods deal mainly with activities
durations, they do not deal with any aspects related to minimize project cost;

- Use deterministic durations: The basic assumption in CPM and PDM formulations is
that activity durations are deterministic. In reality, however, activity durations take
certain probability distribution that reflect the effect of project conditions on resource
productivity and the level of uncertainty involved in the project.

4.6 Solved Examples

4.6.1 Example 1

For the project data in Table 4.3, answer the following questions:
a) Draw an AOA network of the project?
b) Perform forward path and backward path calculations?
c) What is the effect of delaying activity D by 3 days?

Table 4.3: Data for Example 1

Immediate
Activity Duration
predecessor
A 2 -
B 6 A
C 3 A
D 1 B
E 6 B
F 3 C, D
G 2 E, F

Construction Management 90 Dr. Emad Elbeltagi

Solution

a, b) 8 or
8 8 10

2 or 3 14 or
8 B E 12
0 0 2 2 6 6 14 14 16 16
A D 1 G
1 2 5 6
2 2
C F 3
3
4
9 or
9 11
Critical 5

c) Total float of activity D = LF – ES – d = 11 – 8 – 1 = 2.

Then delaying activity D by 1 day more than its total float will cause a net delay in
the whole project by 1 day to become 17 days.

4.6.2 Example 2

Perform PDM calculations for the small project below and determine activity times.
Durations are shown on the activities.

I
(2)

B D G
(4) (1) (1)

A J L
(1) (7) (2)

C E H
(1) (2) (1)

F K
(2) (4)

Construction Management 91 Dr. Emad Elbeltagi

Solution
7 9
I (2)
12 14

1 5 5 6 6 7
B (4) D (1) G (1)
1 5 5 6 6 7 9 or
9 or
12 or
14
7
0 1 7 14 14 16
A (1) J (7) L (2)
0 1 7 14 14 16
1 or 6
1 2 2 4 4 5
C (1) E (2) H (1)
6 7 7 9 9 10
7 or 8 5 or 4

ES EF 2 4 5 9
Name (duration) F (2) K (4)
LS LF 8 10 10 14

Critical path

4.6.3 Example 3

For the activities listed in the table below, draw the time-scaled diagram and mark the
critical path. Determine the completion time for the project. Tabulate activities times and
floats.

Activity Duration Predecessor

A 4 -
B 4 A
C 8 B
D 3 C
E 5 A
F 2 B, E
G 8 C, F
H 5 D, G
I 17 -
J 10 G, I

Construction Management 92 Dr. Emad Elbeltagi

Solution

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4
0 1 2 3
A B C D H
4 4 8 3 5 5 5

F G
1 2 5 8
I J
17 7 10

Activity ES EF TF FF LS LF
A 0 4 0 0 0 4
B 4 8 0 0 4 8
C 8 16 0 0 8 16
D 16 19 10 5 26 29
E 4 9 5 0 9 14
F 9 11 5 5 14 16
G 16 24 0 0 16 24
H 24 29 5 5 29 34
I 0 17 7 7 7 24
J 24 34 0 0 24 34

4.6.4 Example 4

Perform PDM calculations for the small AoN network shown here. Pay special attention
to the different relationships and the lag times shown on them.

B
SS=2 (3)

A C E
(3) (4) (5)

D FF=2
(6)

Construction Management 93 Dr. Emad Elbeltagi

Solution

0+2=2
2 5
B (3)
SS=2 4 7
5, 7 or
(9+2-5)
0 3 3 7 7 12
A (3) C (4) E (5)
0 3 3 7 7 12
4 or
3 or
(4-2+3) 3 9
D (6) FF=2

ES EF 4 10
Name (duration) 12-2=10
LS LF

4.7 Exercises

1. The free float is defined as:

a. The amount of time an activity can be delayed without affecting the following
activity.
b. The amount of time an activity can be delayed without affecting total project
duration.

2. Total float equals:

a. Late finish minus early finish c. Late start minus early start
b. Late finish minus (early start + duration) d. All of the above

3. State True (T) or False (F):

a. The critical activities can be determined easily when using the bar chart.
b. The network must have definite points of beginning and end.
c. The network must be continuous from start to end.
d. There’s no dummy activities in the arrow networks,
e. A forward pass is used to determine late start and late finish times.

Construction Management 94 Dr. Emad Elbeltagi

 f. The time for completing a project is equal to the sum of the individual activity
times.

4. For the Following project data, answer the following questions:

Activity Duration (days) Predecessor

A 2 --
B 6 A
C 3 A
D 1 B
E 6 B
F 3 C, D
G 2 E, F

a. Draw an AOA network and perform forward and backward pass calculations?
b. Draw an AON network and perform forward and backward pass calculations?
c. Draw a time-scaled diagram of the project?
d. Tabulate activities ES, EF, LS, LF, TF, and FF.
e. What is the effect of delaying activity D by 3 days?

5. For the following AOA network, determine the following:

a. Calculate ES, LF, & TF for all activities. Identify critical ones.
b. Draw an early Bar Chart for the project.
c. What is the effect of delaying activity “H” by two days on the total project
duration?
3 9

1 5 11 15 17
E (10)

7 13

Construction Management 95 Dr. Emad Elbeltagi

 6. Perform PDM calculations for the project below and determine activity times.
Durations are shown on the activities

I
(2)

B D G
(4) (1) (1)

A J L
(1) (7) (2)

C E H
(1) (2) (1)

F K
(2) (4)

7. A gas station is proposed to be built on an already developed site. It will consist

essentially of a sales outlet and an office block. The sales outlet comprises of cash
office and gas pumps. The manager’s office building, which also houses public
washrooms and an air compressor, is called the office block. Adjacent to pumps
will be a concrete pit that will house the gas tanks.

The entire area, excluding the office and pumps site, is covered with a concrete
slab, and there is a low perimeter wall in the rear. The utility company has
undertaken to install an electric meter on the site and connect it to the mains.
Gasoline pumps must be obtained from the manufacturers, and after being
installed, they are to be connected to the gasoline tanks and the power supply.
Before use the local authority to ensure safety and compliance with regulations
must inspect them. Gasoline tanks are housed in concrete pits and covered by
concrete slabs. Before they are covered, however, the tanks and the associated
pipe work have to be inspected by the local authority. The sales outlet base is
excavated first, the pipe work and tanks second, the office block third, and the

Construction Management 96 Dr. Emad Elbeltagi

 trench for underground services last. After the excavation for the tanks and pipe
work is completed, work can proceed on the construction of the perimeter wall
and air points.

No Activity Description Duration

A Excavate for sales outlet 1
B Construct sales outlet base 1
C Construct cash office 2
D Obtain pumps 16
E Install pumps 2
F Connect pumps 1
G Inspector approves pumps installation 2
H Paint & furnish office & washrooms 2
I Connect office & toilet lighting 1
J Excavate for office block 1
K Construct office block 1
L Build office & washrooms + services 15
M Install electric meter 14
N Connect main cable to meter 1
O Install area lighting 4
P Mobilize site 1
Q Set out and level site 1
R Excavate & lay underground services 1
S Excavate for pipes and tanks 1
T Construct concrete pit 2
U Obtain pipes and tanks 2
V Install pipes and tanks 3
W Obtain compressor 10
X Install compressor 1
Y Connect power to compressor 1
Z Inspection of compressor 2
AA Backfill and cover tanks 1
BB Pour concrete slab 2
CC Construct perimeter wall + air points 2
DD Connect air points 1
EE Demobilize and clean site 1
FF Inspection of pipes and tanks 2

Construction Management 97 Dr. Emad Elbeltagi

 Compressed air for inflated tires will be supplied by an electrically driven
compressor, which must be inspected by a competent person before the
compressor is put into use. The air lines to the “free air” points are installed with
the general underground services, and the points themselves are mounted on the
perimeter wall. The air pints can be hooked up after the concrete slab has been
poured. Mobilization to start work comprises, among other preparations, the
moving of a trailer to the site to store tools, furnishings, and any weather prone
parts and to serve as the site office. Similarly, when work at the site is completed,
the trailer will be removed, and all scaffolding and construction equipment taken
away. This is known as “demobilization and clean up of site.

You are required to determine the project duration, critical path(s), and tabulate
activity times (ES, EF, LS, LF, TF, and FF).

8. For the following list of activities, draw a time-scaled diagram and mark the
critical path. Determine activities ES, EF, LS, LF, FF, and TF.

Activity Duration (days) Predecessor

A 4 --
B 10 A
C 2 A
D 6 C
E 15 B, D
F 4 B, D
G 3 F
H 2 B, D
I 1 E, G, H
J 3 I
K 2 E
L 1 J
M 2 K, L

Construction Management 98 Dr. Emad Elbeltagi

 9. For the following PDM, perform the forward pass and backward pass
calculations. Determine the project duration and critical path. Tabulate the ES,
EF, LS, LF, TF, and FF information for each activity.

E
FF7
7

A SS3, FF4
B SS2
D F SS8
G
10 8 12 FF5 9 12

SS8

J
C 0
SF5
8

H I
FS6 FF3
10 8

Construction Management 99 Dr. Emad Elbeltagi