Construction Site Layout Research Articles

Automated construction site layout design system for prefabricated buildings using transformer based conditional GAN

Construction site layout plans (CSLP) are crucial for efficient prefabricated construction project management. Traditional manual design process is costly and time-consuming, while optimization methods heavily depend on expert knowledge. Recent advancements in deep generative models present promising alternatives. However, their application to the generation of prefabricated construction site layouts is hindered by several challenges, including limited datasets, significant overlap between facilities, and the necessity to generate layouts based on fixed facilities with specific attributes such as minimal transportation costs. These challenges constrain the efficacy and applicability of the generated layouts. To address these issues, this study introduces an innovative automated generative design system for prefabricated construction site layouts, leveraging a novel Transformer-based conditional generative adversarial network (GAN). The data preparation module of the system collects and augments layout data for training. The CSLGAN module is designed to generate layouts that conform to spatial constraints and desired attributes, with minimal facility overlap. Furthermore, this study establishes benchmarks in terms of model capacity and specialized performance metrics. Extensive experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed system in automated construction site layout generation.

Facilitating Circular Transition in the Construction Industry: Optimizing a Prefabricated Construction Site Layout Using a Novel BIM-Integrated SLP-GA Model

Prefabricated construction is being developed as one of the pathways toward circularity in the construction industry. However, compared to traditional cast-in-place construction methods, the design of prefabricated construction site layouts presents unique challenges, such as managing the space for prefabricated components and lifting equipment, and coordinating the precise timing between off-site fabrication and on-site assembly. Existing research has primarily focused on traditional cast-in-place construction, leaving room for improvement in optimisation models for prefabricated site layouts. This study develops a BIM-based System Layout Planning-Genetic Algorithm (SLP-GA) model specifically tailored for prefabricated construction site optimisation. The proposed model improves the accuracy and visualisation of layout planning through BIM technology, enabling dynamic adjustments and real-time data integration. It also incorporates genetic algorithms to address complex multi-objective optimisation problems, avoiding local optima and overcoming the limitations of traditional SLP methods that rely on subjective judgements. Unlike previous studies that do not consider secondary handling, the optimisation objectives of this study focus on minimising material handling costs associated with secondary handling and maximising comprehensive relationships, including efficiency, safety and space utilisation. The application of this model in a case study shows a reduction in logistics costs of 8.58% and an improvement in comprehensive relationships of 11.61%, indicating significant improvements. This research advances optimisation methods for prefabricated construction site layouts, enriches optimisation objectives by considering secondary handling, and provides practical guidance for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of prefabricated construction projects.

A Comprehensive Evaluation Model with TOPSIS Method for Construction Site Layout of Building Projects and Its Applications

A Comprehensive Evaluation Model with TOPSIS Method for Construction Site Layout of Building Projects and Its Applications

Improving Health and Safety Performance of Construction through Lean Construction in Ghana : Drivers, Enablers and Constraints

The aim of this paper was to see how lean technology may be applied to improve safety and health performance in Ghana's building construction sector. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from civil/structural engineers, architects, construction managers, services engineers, and quantity surveyors that work in the construction industry. The sample was chosen using the purposeful sampling technique, taking into account the construction experts' years of experience. The findings reveal that, building construction projects in Ghana may perform better if lean construction methods are applied correctly. Based on this finding, it is recommended that training, planning and proper layout of construction site so as to eliminate overlapping of movements on site, and building trust in working relations and working together as an effective team where the key strategies for improving health and safety performance of projects through lean construction technology.

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.

Solving the Problem of Multi-Stakeholder Construction Site Layout Using Metaheuristic Algorithms

Solving the Problem of Multi-Stakeholder Construction Site Layout Using Metaheuristic Algorithms

Predictive simulation of construction site noise emissions from heavy equipment

PurposeConstruction activities conducted in urban areas are often a source of significant noise disturbances, which cause psychological and health issues for residents as well as long-term auditory impairments for construction workers. The limited effectiveness of passive noise control measures due to the close proximity of the construction site to surrounding neighborhoods often results in complaints and eventually lawsuits. These can then lead to delays and cost overruns for the construction projects.Design/methodology/approachThe paper proposes a novel approach to integrating construction noise as an additional dimension into scheduling construction works. To achieve this, a building information model, including the three-dimensional construction site layout object geometry, resource allocation and schedule information, is utilized. The developed method explores further project data that are typically available, such as the assigned equipment to a task, its precise location, and the estimated duration of noisy tasks. This results in a noise prediction model by using noise mapping techniques and suggesting less noisy alternative ways of construction. Finally, noise data obtained from sensors in a case study contribute real values for validating the proposed approach, which can be used later to suggest solutions for noise mitigation.FindingsThe results of this study indicate that the proposed approach can accurately predict construction noise given a few available parameters from digital project planning and sensors installed on a construction site. Proactively integrating construction noise control measures into the planning process has benefits for both residents and construction managers, as it reduces construction noise-related disturbances, prevents unexpected legal issues and ensures the health and well-being of the workforce.Originality/valueWhile previous research has concentrated on real-time data collection using sensors, a more effective solution would also involve addressing and mitigating construction noise during the pre-construction work planning phase.

Research on rural landscape garden planning and plantscape construction method based on digital twin technology under rural revitalization strategy

Abstract This paper integrates the landscape information model, designs the digital twin rural landscape architecture, and analyzes the advantages of the digital twin rural landscape model. The practical application of digital twin technology is examined from the planning and design stage to the construction stage. Considering the actual construction site layout and the consumption of construction materials, the NSGA-II algorithm is selected to optimize the dynamic layout of temporary facilities by combining multi-objective optimization theory. Using the digital twin to drive the dynamic layout of the construction site, a digital twin-driven construction site layout mechanism is proposed in combination with BIM technology. The actual construction scheduling tasks are used to analyze the feasibility of the construction site layout scheme generated using digital twin technology. Analyze the construction of rural landscape gardens planned using digital twin technology in terms of ecological, social, and economic benefits. The convergence minimum is achieved at 0.15 and 0.09 when comparing the number of iterations between the initialized layout and the digital twin-driven layout. The corresponding scheme reaches its optimal state during the construction stage and can provide the most suitable site arrangement scheme during that stage. The rural landscape garden planned by the digital twin technology can generate an economic return value of 71.756 yuan/m² per year, which can further promote rural revitalization.

Integrating BIM–IoT and Autonomous Mobile Robots for Construction Site Layout Printing

The traditional methods of marking construction site layouts using manual techniques such as chalk lines are prone to human errors, resulting in discrepancies between blueprints and actual layouts. This has serious implications for project delivery, construction, costs and, eventually, project success. However, this issue can be resolved through autonomous robots and construction automation in line with Industry 4.0 and 5.0 goals. Construction automation enables workers to concentrate on the construction phase and not worry about manual site markups. This leads to an enhancement in their productivity. This study aims to improve the floor layout printing technique by introducing a framework that integrates building information modeling (BIM) and the Internet of Things (IoT), i.e., BIM–IoT and autonomous mobile robots (AMR). The development process focuses on three key components: a marking tool, an IoT-based AMR and BIM. The BIM-based tools extract and store coordinates on the cloud platform. The AMR, developed using ESP32 and connected to the Google Firestore cloud platform, leverages IoT technology to retrieve the data and draw site layout lines accordingly. Further, this research presents a prototype of an automated robot capable of accurately printing construction site layouts. A design science research (DSR) method is employed in this study that includes a comprehensive review of the existing literature and usage of AMRs in construction layout printing. Subsequently building upon the extant literature, an AMR is developed and experiments are conducted to evaluate the system’s performance. The experiment reveals that the system’s precision falls within a range of ±15 mm and its angle accuracy is within ±4 degrees. Integrating robotic automation, IoT and BIM technologies enhances the efficiency and precision of construction layout printing. The findings provide insights into the potential benefits of deploying AMRs in construction projects, reducing site layout errors and improving construction productivity. This study also adds to the body of knowledge around construction automation in line with Industry 4.0 and 5.0 endeavors.

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.

Cuckoo search algorithm for construction site layout planning

<span lang="EN-US">A novel metaheuristic optimization algorithm based on cuckoo search algorithm (CSA) is presented to solve the construction site layout planning problem (CSLP). CSLP is a complex optimization problem with various applications, such as plant layout, construction site layout, and computer chip layout. Many researchers have investigated the CSLP by applying many algorithms in an exact or heuristic approach. Although both methods yield a promising result, technically, nature-inspired algorithms demonstrate high achievement in successful percentage. In the last two decades, researchers have been developing a new nature-inspired algorithm for solving different types of optimization problems. The CSA has gained popularity in resolving large and complex issues with promising results compared with other nature-inspired algorithms. However, for solving CSLP, the algorithm based on CSA is still minor. Thus, this study proposed CSA with additional modification in the algorithm mechanism, where the algorithm shows a promising result and can solve CSLP cases.</span>

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%.

Study on the Application of BIM5D in Modular Prefabricated Building Project in Changsha Makeshift Hospital

Building makeshift hospitals is one of the important measures to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak, which has brought great pressure and challenges to China's public health system. Makeshift hospital construction usually uses prefabricated boxes, which provide faster construction, safer manufacturing, better quality control and lower environmental pollution compared with traditional on-site construction. In the process of procurement, transportation and installation of prefabricated boxes, there will usually be installation deviation, material failure to arrive in time leading to labor slowdown, low efficiency of hoisting and installation, poor coordination among different professions and other problems. Taking Changsha makeshift hospital project as an example, this paper analyzes the application of BIM5D technology in the processing of prefabricated components, the layout of construction site, construction simulation, construction cost management and construction schedule management, and concludes that the use of BIM5D technology in the construction management stage of the prefabricated construction project of makeshift hospital can greatly improve the management and control ability of the management personnel. Obviously improve the quality of prefabricated buildings, save time and cost, through the BIM5D information integration and construction simulation to make the construction management of prefabricated buildings more efficient coordination.

Research on Construction Organization Design and Engineering Cost Application Based on BIM Technology

The development of the construction industry promotes the development of BIM technology, which in turn promotes the development of the construction industry. This paper first analyzes the status quo of BIM technology, construction organization design and engineering cost, and then analyzes the construction organization design and engineering cost application based on BIM technology. This paper takes a residential building as an example for detail, uses BIM technology to carry out modeling and measurement, construction schedule plan, site layout and project cost, and conducts the rationality analysis of the quantity and the rationality of the cost. The results show that the development of BIM technology greatly facilitates the construction organization design and engineering cost of construction projects.

Development of a Manually Operated Mobile Robot That Prints Construction Site Layouts

Chalk lines are used to print layouts in construction sites to indicate the location of attaching or cutting objects; printing depends on the skills of workers and is suitable for small-scale work. Moreover, this type of work requires a precise measurement process, which is time-consuming, to avoid errors. Thus, discrepancies between blueprints and construction site layouts can occur if construction plans and management are not uniformly aligned. To improve the traditional floor-layout-printing technique on construction sites, this study introduces a manually operated mecanum-wheeled mobile robot in the preliminary stage, i.e., before the development of a full-fledged automated system. This manually operated robot helps determine the technologies required for robotic automation. In the development process, layout-printing technology is classified into a marking toolkit, control system that can be manually operated, and mobile driver. To improve layout-printing quality, this study adopted a mecanum-wheeled design to improve mobility. In this study, applied tests are required to consider the site environment for automatically marking floor layout prints. To determine the applicability of the developed technology, this study conducted a field applicability experiment with a pen-type marking module and laser-type toolkit. The experiment confirmed that layout printing based on environmental changes on the construction site can be manually performed using the mobile robot system. To automatically mark floor-layout-printing work, it is necessary to consider the floor characteristics on the construction site. In addition, this experiment shows that the newly applied laser toolkit technology can be applied to layout printing within 12 mm from the floor. To apply this mechanism to a mobile robot that can automate layout printing, it is necessary to technically enhance the optimization of marking quality, e.g., floor separation distance and marking thickness.

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.

Reducing Construction Dust Pollution by Planning Construction Site Layout

Many construction activities generate fine particles and severely threaten the physical health of construction workers. Although many dust control measures are implemented in the industry, the occupational health risks still exist. In order to improve the occupational health level, this study proposes a new method of reducing the construction dust pollution through a reasonable site layout plan. This method is based on the field measurement and dust diffusion law. The dust diffusion law can be fitted based on the field monitoring data. With diffusion law, the average dust concentration exposed to workers of different site layouts can be simulated. In addition, the cost of the dust control method is a concern for site managers. Therefore, the total transportation cost reduction is another optimization objective. Finally, the multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithm is used to search for an optimized site layout that can reduce dust pollution and transportation cost simultaneously. The result shows that average dust concentration exposed to workers and total transportation cost are significantly reduced by 60.62% and 44.3%, respectively. This paper quantifies the construction dust pollution and provides site managers with a practical solution to reduce the construction dust pollution at low cost.