Scheduling of Post-Flood Recovery Project with Flexible Project Structure

Flood events around the world result in the loss of human lives, disruption, damage to economic, infrastructural and ecological systems. Although, different frameworks to manage flood events exist; however, the complexity (i.e. adjustment and adaptation) associated with some of these approaches is often limited by constraints of time and resources. Therefore, this study attempts to apply a flexible project structure to schedule a post-flood recovery project (PFRP). Twenty-five (25) restorative activities in a PFRP were identified, categorised and scheduled as resource-constrained project scheduling problem with a flexible structure (RCPSP-FS). Monte Carlo simulation was used to reflect the uncertain characteristics of each restorative activity. PFRP completion time was 42 and 86 days under time and resource constraints assumptions, respectively. Thirty- four (34) network paths (sub-projects) were identified and grouped into 4 restorative measures as follows: (i) removal of hazardous materials (ii) evacuation of injured persons (iii) provision of flood technology warning system and technical facilities and (iv) construction of shelter, homes and bridges. Time and cost flexibility values for the network paths range from 6 to 63 days, and 14.79 to 288.77 thousand USD, respectively. Time and schedule sensitivity analysis revealed the impact of each restorative activity on simulated project completion time. Based on these results, it is concluded that a flexible project structure can respond to changing circumstances during post-flood restoration efforts which allow more degree of freedom in activity scheduling, flood events measures and cost alternatives.