Modelling the Boundaries of Fast-tracking in Construction by using Stochastic Model

Fast-tracking a project involves carrying out sequential activities in parallel, partially overriding their original order of precedence, to reduce the overall project duration. In this paper, the regular work schedule of residential post construction work details comparing with fast-tracking method is proposed. Relevant findings highlight the existence of a pseudo-physical barrier that suggests that the possibility of shortening a schedule by more than a quarter of its original duration is highly unlikely. The explicit non-linear relationship between cost and overlap has also been quantified for the first time. Finally, manual calculations using the new model are compared with results from a Genetic Algorithm through a case study.