What kind of scheduling technique is used to manage resources on a construction site?

• A. Critical path method
• B. Linear scheduling
• C. Gantt chart
• D. Time-Chainage

Answer: (B)

Linear scheduling is a technique specifically designed to manage resources efficiently on construction sites, particularly for linear projects such as highways, railways, and pipelines. This method emphasizes the relationship between time and location, allowing project managers to visualize how resources will be allocated over both time and space along the project's length.

By using linear scheduling, construction teams can identify potential conflicts or inefficiencies in the use of resources, which is crucial for projects that have multiple work fronts or require the coordination of various trades. The ability to see the workflow and the continuous progress along a linear project allows for adjustments to be made proactively, thereby optimizing the use of machinery, labor, and materials as the project advances.

This differs from other scheduling techniques like the Critical Path Method, which focuses more on the sequencing of tasks and identifying the longest path of dependent activities, rather than resource allocation over a geographic span. Gantt charts provide a visual timeline for tasks but are not tailored for managing resources over time and space in the way that linear scheduling does. Time-chainage, while useful for specific applications, does not inherently encompass the broader aspects of resource management on construction sites like linear scheduling does.