Schedule-dependent evolution of site layout planning

Abstract

The appropriate layout of temporary facilities on a construction site has a large impact on construction safety and productivity. For the duration of a project the site layout may need to be efficiently re-organized at various intervals to satisfy the schedule requirements and to maintain site efficiency. This paper presents a practical model for schedule-dependent site layout planning in construction. The proposed model uses a combination of artificial intelligence tools (knowledge-based systems, fuzzy logic, and genetic algorithms) to generate, optimize, and re-organize the site layout plan at frequent intervals during the project. The model incorporates flexible representation of irregular site shapes and several options for placing facilities. Based on the proposed model, an automated system is developed, fully integrated with widely used scheduling software. At each schedule interval, the system recalculates the space requirements and, for the convenience of congested sites, can utilize parts of the constructed space to accommodate temporary facilities. Details of the schedule-dependent model are described, and its application in an actual case study project is presented to demonstrate its capabilities.