Construction Site Layout Planning Research Articles

Precast concrete component yard layout optimization considering safety and efficiency

ABSTRACT The contradiction between the space demand for precast concrete components (PCCs) and the limited area of the construction site is reinforced by the increase in the prefabrication rate of prefabricated buildings, and a large number of PCC hoisting operations may have an adverse impact on the safety and efficiency of the construction site. Therefore, the importance of precast concrete component yard layout planning (PCCYLP) is becoming increasingly prominent. Most existing research on construction site layout planning (CSLP) has focused on all temporary facilities on the construction site and has neglected the particularity of PCC when solving the above problems. Based on this, this paper integrates the PCC hoisting efficiency and safety into the existing CSLP research and optimizes PCCYLP solutions by establishing a PCCYLP model. The model proposes a non-centralized PCC yard division method. Moreover, the surplus rectangle algorithm is used to calculate the yard sizes, which are input into the model in alternative ways. Engineering cases verify the effectiveness of the proposed model, and the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm is selected for simulation. The results show that the method can enhance the scientific and reasonable layout solution and provide a favorable guarantee for subsequent safe and efficient construction activities.

A generative design-based optimization model for multi-objective construction site layout planning

PurposeGiven the growing interest in modern construction techniques and the emergence of innovative technologies, construction site layout planning research has progressively been investigating approaches to adopt innovative concepts and incorporate renewed approaches to improve widespread efficiency. This research develops a decision-making tool that optimizes construction site layout plans. The developed model targets two main objectives: minimizing material transportation costs and maximizing safety by optimally placing facilities on construction sites.Design/methodology/approachA novel approach is devised based on the integration of Building Information Modeling and Generative Design (BIM-GD). This engine is used to optimize the multi-objective site layout problems to identify layout alternatives in the early project stages. Parametric modeling uses Dynamo to construct the model and explore constraints initially. Finally, the GD environment is utilized to create different design alternatives, and then the decision-making procedure selects the most appropriate design alternative. Additionally, a case study is applied to validate the effectiveness of the developed model.FindingsThe results indicate the effectiveness of the proposed GD tool and its potential for more complex applications. The GD engine examined optimal layout plans, balancing different objectives and adhering to appointed geometric constraints. A case study was conducted to assess the model's effectiveness and showcase its suitability. Construction Site Layout Planning (CSLP) is an essential step in design that can influence considerable aspects, such as material transportation expenses and different safety standards on the site. Employing visual programming for parametric modeling within Dynamo-Revit creates an expedient and user-friendly platform for planning engineers who may require more programming expertise to create and program algorithmic models visually. Utilizing GD in CSLP has proven to be a powerful tool with consequential prospects for improving applications and executing more models.Practical implicationsThe findings from this framework are intended to help construction practitioners select the most appropriate site layout during early project stages while incorporating different safety criteria inside construction sites to alleviate actual safety risks.Originality/valueA new approach is proposed that utilizes an integrated BIM-GD engine to optimize multi-objective site layout problems. This approach targets two main objectives: minimizing material transportation costs and maximizing safety by optimally placing facilities in construction sites.

The application of prefabricated BIM technology in the production and demolition stages of the whole building life cycle

With the development of engineering construction, the concept of building lifecycle management (BLM) is put forward. The building life cycle is a full cycle process starting from material and construction production, including multiple stages of planning and design, construction and transportation, operation and maintenance, as well as demolition and disposal. With the popularity of the concept of sustainable development, recycling instead of completely abandoning has become a trend. This coincides with the concept of the whole life cycle of a building. Prefabricated BIM (Building Information Modeling) is an important branch of BIM. It plays an important role in the construction of the whole life cycle of buildings due to its characteristics such as visualization, information sharing, and appropriate technology composite, especially in the production and demolition stages. Through qualitative analysis of the advantages of BIM technology and case analysis, this paper focuses on the important role played by BIM technology in the production and demolition stages. The application of BIM technology in construction animation simulation, site layout, and site planning is studied to effectively improve work efficiency and ensure construction quality. Besides, corresponding models and optimization of demolition methods are proposed based on different demolition needs. It can be concluded that in the production stage, BIM technology can be used for structural design, visual three-dimensional (3D) design, collaborative design, and optimization design, while in the demolition stage, BIM technology can be used for space management.

Lessons Learned from Construction Site Layout Planning Practices

Proper layout planning is necessary to prepare a site for construction activities, prevent potential delays, and ensure project safety and security. Despite the considerable amount of studies regarding construction site layout planning, most research has relied on fabricated data using simulations, while, in fact, site layout is unique for each construction project, and its planning requires previous experience. This paper presents an in-depth study on site layout planning practices, as observed in four actual project cases. Using an empirical case study approach, these practices are collected through site observations, document examinations, and semi-structured interviews. Several discussions related to site layout planning practices are described, including the considerations, types, tasks and benefits related to proper site layout planning. The contribution of this paper is the ability to capture some lessons learned regarding construction site layout planning from actual project cases, which can be utilized by other parties for the benefit of future projects. The lessons learned allow developing appropriate strategies required by construction project teams in order to increase their response capability and hence be able to proactively make decisions regarding proper site layout planning.

Construction Site Layout Planning: A Social Network Analysis

Construction site layout planning (CSLP) is the strategic arrangement and planning of construction site spaces, which has an enormous impact on the success of any construction project. Over the past two decades, multiple planning models have been developed to generate layouts that maintain safety and productivity within the construction environment. Yet these models vary significantly with disparate assumptions, many of which remain unstated. This study harnesses social network analysis (SNA) as a means to convert data into knowledge. It applies SNA to shed light on CSLP, providing a comprehensive overview of the existing models, and illuminating the critical parameters that should be considered in layout planning. This analysis delves deep into past methodologies and sets the potential for forthcoming research investigations. This study aims to be a reference for readers and researchers venturing into the realm of CSLP. Numerous related records and studies from diverse databases and sources were reviewed and analyzed. Out of these, 70 articles were singled out, from which 14 pivotal parameters were distilled as the foundation for any CSLP framework. Through the application of SNA, gaps within the existing research domain and literature were pinpointed. The study findings demonstrate the growing interest in shifting to cutting-edge approaches in CSLP. However, the results show that the majority of these models in the literature fall short of sufficiently addressing realistic facility representation, noise effects, or the construction impact on the surrounding environment. Accordingly, this research illuminates these knowledge gaps. The findings of this review guide future research by sketching a broad outline for future optimization models and planning studies.

Physics-inspired Metaheuristics for Construction Site Layout Planning Problem

In the construction industry, material handling plays an important role. Finding proper locations for construction facilities not only can affect the expenses, but also it can impact on the process of handling of construction materials. Therefore, in order to supply engineering demands and materials, the construction site layout planning problem (CSLP) within a short-distance transportation is considered as an NP-hard problem. Thus, the researchers are extensively using metaheuristics in order to solve the construction site layout planning problems. This study presents a comparative study of ten physics-inspired metaheuristics with regard to their efficacy in how they can address a real construction site layout problem. In this vein, two case studies are examined in terms of the site layout planning. Finally, the findings reveal that Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA) and Thermal Exchange Optimization (TEO) have the ability to come up with better solutions, in comparison to other considered optimization algorithms.

Optimization of construction site layout using BIM generative design

Construction site layout planning (CSLP) is the process of allocating temporary facilities needed on construction site. It is a complex process that aims at minimizing travel distances while improving productivity and safety. Although previous studies have enhanced the CSLP, there is a lack of studies that benefit from the potential of Building Information Modelling (BIM)-Generative Design (GD) integration in the field of site layout planning. This study aims to understand the CSLP problem from new aspects to facilitate its use for construction practitioners and site planners. The research presents a new modelling and optimization concept that utilizes BIM-GD tool to target optimum construction site layout plans to ensure a safe and productive work environment. The developed model applies the parametric visual programming basics (VP) to build the layout problem for optimization. The research includes a case study from the literature to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model. The results show a high validity for the model compared with previous models in terms of defining the problem from new aspects and applying all the calculations within the BIM environment software. The presented study shows great potential from the GD tool for more practical and complex applications in future research.

An Improved Multi-Objective Optimization and Decision-Making Method on Construction Sites Layout of Prefabricated Buildings

Construction site layout planning (CSLP) that considers multi-objective optimization problems is essential to achieving sustainable construction. Previous CSLP optimization methods have applied to traditional cast-in-place buildings, and they lack the application for sustainable prefabricated buildings. Furthermore, commonly used heuristic algorithms still have room for improvement regarding the search range and computational efficiency of optimal solution acquisition. Therefore, this study proposes an improved multi-objective optimization and decision-making method for layout planning on the construction sites of prefabricated buildings (CSPB). Firstly, the construction site and temporary facilities are expressed mathematically. Then, relevant constraints are determined according to the principles of CSLP. Ten factors affecting the layout planning on the CSPB are identified and incorporated into the method of layout planning on the CSPB in different ways. Based on the elitist non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II), an improved multiple population constraint NSGA-II (MPC-NSGA-II) is proposed. This introduces the multi-population strategy and immigration operator to expand the search range of the algorithm and improve its computational efficiency. Combined with the entropy weight and technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS), improved multi-objective optimization and decision for the CSLP model is developed on the CSPB. Practical cases verify the effectiveness and superiority of the algorithm and model. It is found that the proposed MPC-NSGA-II can solve the drawbacks of the premature and low computational efficiency of NSGA-II for multi-constrained and multi-objective optimization problems. In the layout planning on the CSPB, the MPC-NSGA-II algorithm can improve the quality of the optimal solution and reduce the solution time by 75%.

Construction site layout planning practices in inner-city building projects: space requirement variables, classification and relationship

ABSTRACT An inner-city building construction site for vacant land development or redevelopment of existing property is a site surrounded by buildings, occupants, and busy street(s); its space is the most important but limited resource that needs wisely planned and professionally used. The study aimed to assess the construction site layout planning (CSLP) practice and the classification of space requirement variables for inner-city building sites. Thus, the study adopted a triangulated study approach and the data was collected through a sequential mixed method that includes case studies: semi-structured interviews, document evaluation, and site visits observation followed by a two-round Delphi survey. The study has identified the space requirement variables, classification, and relationship for CSLP of inner-city sites; classified under three categories: Micro-space (four), Macro-space (18), and Paths (five); and have significant to strong associations with each other. The current practice shows the CSLP is overlooked or fragmented which causes a congested site condition. So, the provided insight on the strong relationship between space requirements will be a basis for shifting from the temporary-facility-centered planning methods towards an integrated CSLP approach to overcome contractors’ problems in the continued redevelopment demand of the inner city.

건설현장 배치계획 작성 시스템 개발을 위한 현황 조사 및 핵심기능 도출

To this day, construction site layout planning (CSLP) practice is achieved through a manual approach centered on experience and intuition. Although studies of various approaches have been conducted to solve these problems, it is still difficult to apply them in practice because practitioners may feel counterintuitive and complicated. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a more intuitive and user-friendly CSLP system. As a first step to filling this gap, this study aims to identify the importance of CSLP and its current status in practice, and derive key functions for system development. To do this, literature review, brainstorming, focus group interview, and survey were conducted. As a result, 17 key functions were derived. If the CSLP system is successfully constructed based on the key functions derived from this study, human error can be expected to be improved while the layout planning decisions, and it will help to generate an effective layout solution in terms of productivity and safety.

Simulating travel paths of construction site workers via deep reinforcement learning considering their spatial cognition and wayfinding behavior

Many optimization methods for construction site layout planning (CSLP) generate the shortest path of workers to calculate traveling costs and site safety performance. However, this approach often degrades the solution's reliability because workers in real-life situations do not necessarily take the shortest path to their chosen destination. Thus, this paper proposes a novel approach for generating realistic paths that mimic their wayfinding decision-making process. This approach uses deep reinforcement learning, for which the framework to facilitate its use includes the following elements: (1) the required properties and functions for site objects; and (2) the state, action space, and reward functions intended. The similarity between the paths simulated and the real workers' trajectories has been validated better by 17.8% than the traditional A* algorithm. The proposed approach is expected to be used as an appropriate input, and thereby help improve the reliability of the solutions based on the CSLP optimization methods.

Automated route planning for construction site utilizing Building Information Modeling

Construction Vehicle route planning forms a significant component of Construction Site Layout Planning (SLP). At present, the construction industry has no standard method of planning vehicle routes resulting in chaotic situations on sites. The study proposes an integration of optimization techniques with Building Information Modeling (BIM) to generate feasible routes taking into account the dynamic nature of construction projects. A systematic workflow is developed for the integration of these platforms. The steps involved in the process are presented through a case study highlighting a decision support system for project planners. The advantages of sensitivity analysis alongside a visual interpretation of the construction routing schedule are achieved through the integrated workflow. Thus, the developed workflow provides an approach to enhance the efficiency of daily equipment movements at the site by reducing the possible conflicts and enhancing accessibility. Though the study limits itself in handling the internal vehicular movements, the developed workflow could be extended to manage the project supply chain; moreover, the site personnel movements could be integrated to provide a safer work environment at the construction site.

BIM-based estimation of inputs for site layout planning and locating irregularly shaped facilities

Although construction site layout planning (CSLP) is a significant step in construction planning that has a direct impact on the project performance, its input parameters are mainly obtained by asking site managers and related contractors. The dynamic environment, complexities, and uncertainties of a construction project cause a reduction in the precision of these inputs. This study aims to enhance the CSLP precision by providing a holistic and practical method for estimating these parameters. For this intention, a database is established using the data obtained from the project schedule and BIM to allow the calculation of the input parameters. A new algorithm for facility setup is also proposed for optimizing the facility's shape, which seems beneficial in congested sites where space becomes a limited resource. A case study demonstrates the practicality and functionality of the method. The facility setup algorithm also causes an improvement over restricting facilities to regular shapes.

Multi-objective optimization of dynamic construction site layout using BIM and GIS

Construction site layout planning (CSLP) refers to the facilities' placement in the site boundaries by optimizing layout objectives and considering constraints. This study aims to provide a framework for optimizing the construction site layout dynamically, utilizing information from Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Geospatial Information System (GIS). The framework arranges temporary facilities within the site boundaries by considering a multi-objective optimization problem for minimizing the total on-site travel distance of personnel and equipment between facilities and enhancing the safety level of the construction site. Since a good site layout would increase the safety level of the construction site, facilities are placed based on the proximity relationships among them, which represent the planner preference in locating the facilities near or far from one another due to safety concerns. Then, the Guided Population Archive Whale Optimization Algorithm (GPAWOA) is applied for solving the problem. The contribution of this study includes developing a more realistic model using BIM and GIS together for acquiring the spatial data, navigating dynamically, and considering available indoor and outdoor space continuously. Accordingly, a plugin is developed to find the optimum construction site layout using the ArcGIS APIs and Microsoft C#. Finally, an illustrative case is considered to validate the practicality and functionality of the suggested framework. The results depict that employing the proposed method decreases about 20% of the total on-site traveling distance. Additionally, it results in a safer facilities arrangement regarding the proximity preference, compared with conventional methods.

Dynamic Multi-objective Construction Site Layout Planning Based on BIM

The planning effectiveness of construction site layout greatly influences construction efficiency. Many previous studies assumed that all the facilities exist on the construction sites for the whole duration of the projects. Some researchers found the shortcomings and developed models to improve it. But these models also have different limitations, such as ignoring the future impact of the layout decision in early construction phases on the later layout quality, only considering transportation costs when optimize the layouts, etc. To address these issues, this study proposes a building information modeling (BIM)-based model that dynamically optimizes the multi-objective construction site layout. In this model, BIM and construction schedules provide the updated construction project information. This model introduces the construction phase impact on layout. The layout of each construction phase is optimized in order of corresponding phase impact. Considering the sustainable development for construction industry, the noise pollution level is chosen to be the optimization objective together with the total transportation cost. In order to balance the noise pollution level and total transportation cost, the multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) is applied to obtain trade-off solutions. A case study is presented to demonstrate the capability of the proposed model. The results indicate that the proposed dynamic construction site layout plan (CSLP) reduces transportation cost by 43.45% and 11.46% compared with the original and static construction site layout. This study breaks the traditional site layout plan order and locates the facilities in order of their phase impact, which can greatly reduce the transportation cost on the site. It also incorporates the noise pollution reduction into CSLP to enhance on-site sustainability.

Dynamo Visual Programming-Based Generative Design Optimization Model for Construction Site Layout Planning. (Dept. C)

Dynamo Visual Programming-Based Generative Design Optimization Model for Construction Site Layout Planning. (Dept. C)

A BIM-Based Approach to Automated Prefabricated Building Construction Site Layout Planning

Construction site layout planning (CSLP) is a typical problem in construction site management that urgently needs to be solved. A reasonable construction site layout can improve efficiency and reduce costs and unnecessary loss of time. To solve the CSLP problem, some emerging optimization algorithms and enhanced mathematical models have been developed. The building information model (BIM) provides data support for the implementation of previous research. However, manually extracting and modifying parameters from the BIM for use in optimization algorithms is cumbersome in practical applications, wasting considerable time and human resources. In this paper, we propose a framework of automated prefabricated building CSLP to realize the integration of the BIM and an optimization algorithm, which utilizes the Dynamo visual programming platform to create an information channel between the BIM and the optimization algorithm. A typical and practical case, which is optimized by the genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO), is demonstrated to validate the proposed approach and to show an effective reduction in material transportation cost and unnecessary loss of time.

Construction Site Layout Planning Using a Simulation-Based Decision Support Tool

Background: A site layout plan is one of the important decisions to be made in the planning phase of each construction project as it can significantly impact on-site transportation, construction logistics, and safety. This decision could be complicated owing to the uncertainties inherent in construction projects and the complex relationships between the influencing factors and decision variables. Methods: To improve site layout planning, this study aims to develop a simulation-based decision support tool (DST) that enables planners to consider the following: (1) construction uncertainties, (2) construction resources (i.e., material, equipment, and workers), (3) site layout constraints, and (4) mutual impacts between site layout and construction plan variables, for site layout planning of construction projects. Results: The developed DST visualizes the site layout plan within a simulation environment and provides seamless interactions between the site layout model and the simulation model. These capabilities facilitate planning construction site layout using simulation by establishing two-way information flows between the site layout and simulation components, which can further promote application of simulation in construction site layout planning. Usefulness and practicality of the proposed DST is demonstrated in site layout planning of a steel erection project. Conclusions: Using this DST can reduce some common wastes in construction projects and the cost associated with them, including on-site transportation, material handling and storage, and waiting time for the material arrival.

Optimizing travel distance of construction workers considering their behavioral uncertainty using fuzzy graph theory

Travel distance -mostly used in safety and cost objective functions- is the main parameter optimized in construction site layout planning (CSLP) as an optimization problem. While normal CSLP processes assume that every movement at a construction site goes through the particular paths they have assigned, this article presents an innovative method to consider worker behavioral uncertainty (WBU) in whether and how workers follow or deviate from the given paths. In this research, fuzzy graph theory (FGT) helps CSLP consider WBU and shows improved efficiency compared to conventional approaches. The new approach is illustrated in a case study project. The results are affected by WBU in terms of transportation costs and safety risks, but they are still within the range consistent with the literature. Considering WBU through the algorithm presented in this article makes the assumed travel paths more realistic and, thus, CSLP more efficient.

A Typology Model of Temporary Facility Constraints for Automated Construction Site Layout Planning

This study sought to develop a typology model of temporary facility constraints that can be used practically in construction site layout planning (CSLP) automation models. A triangulated methodology (literature review, in-depth interviews, and actual case studies) was used to identify constraints of 11 temporary facilities that are considered mainly in CSLP and to classify them into six constraint types (i.e., dimensional, regional, relocation, non-overlap, inter-facility distance, and visibility constraints) and seven subtypes. In addition, this study proposed computational modeling methods that would allow a computer to judge whether or not the constraints are met by a created construction site layout. This study contributes to CSLP theory by providing a typology model of temporary facilities that can be used in the model-based verification of the created construction site layout and constraint processing condition in CSLP optimization models. This would also help provide efficient, safe, and eco-friendly construction site management, while refraining from experience- and intuition-centered CSLP practices.