Evaluating the COSMOS Software Ecosystem for Domain-Specific Construction Process Simulation

Abstract

Modeling and simulation are generally performed through software systems built upon a formalism (e.g., Petri Nets, DEVS). These formalisms lend themselves well to composition and leveraging expertise across domains. In contrast, domain-specific solutions utilize the language of the domain, allowing domain-experts to apply their knowledge more effectively. However, composability and universality are lost. COSMOS is a domain-specific software ecosystem. It is designed for construction processes, allowing engineers to express solutions in the language of the domain. However, unlike most domain-specific solutions, COSMOS is built upon a standard formalism (specifically, Petri Nets), retaining the advantages of general-purpose tools. In this manuscript, we evaluate the COSMOS, comparing it to both domain-specific and general-purpose approaches. Our goal is to determine whether COSMOS satisfies the simulation requirements; i.e., expressing all the required constructs and meeting result accuracy. To answer this research question, we perform three experiments, modeling: (1) horizontal earth-boring operation, (2) concreting and waste-handling process, and (3) drainage tunnel excavation and concrete placing, on COSMOS and competing simulators. Results suggest COSMOS precisely meets the results of all other evaluated tools, suggesting that it is a viable solution for the modeling and simulation of construction processes, and offering expressive advantages for domain-experts. Copyright © 2022 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l.-All rights reserved.