Article written by Brielle Regdos for CDP

Resource loading is a valuable concept used across many industries, from software to construction, but in construction management, it plays an especially critical role. In construction management, resource loading refers to assigning the necessary labor, equipment, and materials to each activity in a project schedule (usually within tools like Primavera P6 or MS Project). This process clarifies how many resources are required, when they are needed, and whether the overall plan is achievable based on actual availability.

Construction resource loading is focused on identifying the real-world inputs each task needs, whether that be crews of carpenters, excavators, concrete deliveries, rebar, subcontractor teams, etc. By entering realistic quantities, rates, and durations into the schedule, it allows for a clear and concise plan that’s both achievable and organized. Once these details are loaded, the schedule converts them into time-phased forecasts such as manpower requirements, equipment usage curves, and material delivery timelines, often visualized through histograms and resource charts.

Resource analysis is essential because it quickly reveals whether a schedule’s time frame is feasible. If a plan requires 100 workers when only 40 are available, the problem becomes immediately clear. Resource loading also prevents overallocation issues, such as two trades needing the same crane at once or overcrowding multiple crews in the same area. Beyond feasibility, it directly supports cost control, since labor and equipment usage drive much of a project’s budget and influence accurate cash-flow projections. It also strengthens procurement planning by showing exactly when materials like steel or concrete are needed, helping teams avoid supply delays.