Site Layout Planning Research Articles

ArcSPAT: an integrated building information modeling (BIM) and geographic information system (GIS) model for site layout planning

Site layout planning (SLP) is an essential process that has a considerable influence on the safety, cost and duration of a construction project. Due to the complexity and the factors and variables needed in the process of SLP, the models discussed in the literature vary in their definitions and approaches towards solving SLP issues. This decreases the chances for those studies to build upon each other towards achieving a comprehensive model for SLP. This paper presents a methodology for developing an integrated Building Information Modeling and Geographic Information System model for SLP to fill portion of this gap by presenting a versatile and flexible SLP model. The said model is designed in a modular format to provide users with 4D visualization, a temporary facilities library, rule-based dynamic conflicts detection in 2D and 3D, route planning and hauling, and spatio-temporal analysis all in one environment. The presented methodology has the potential to provide an alternative that can lead to a unified solution for SLP by incorporating past solutions from the literature and serving as a foundation to provide answers to many of the SLP problems via a more detailed research in that area.

Optimization of heavy equipment for earthwork in the construction of Mainroad Section X of Pandaan-Malang Toll Road

The construction of Mainroad Section X of Pandaan-Malang Toll Road requires of heavy equipment for excavation and embankment works. The type and number of the heavy equipment can be varied depending upon the construction volume, equipment capacity, and the budget. Therefore, the combination of heavy equipment must be chosen carefully to minimize the cost. This study aims to determine the optimum number of heavy equipment combinations with constraints of work volume, schedule, and resources availability to minimize the construction cost. The data needed is site lay-out plan, cross section of the road, project time schedule, specifications of the heavy equipment, and the resources unit price. The method for optimization is Linear Programming using Simplex Method. The results shows that the optimum combination of heavy equipment for excavation work are 14 units of bulldozer type Zoomlion ZD160-3, 5 unit excavator type Komatsu PC200-8MO, and 19 units dump trucks type Mitsubishi Fuso-FN627 at Rp 14.839.362.044,00. As for the embankment work, the optimum equipment are 5 units excavators type Komatsu PC200-8MO, 19 units of dump truck type Mitsubishi Fuso-FN627, 19 units of motor grader type Caterpillar 120K, 18 units of sheep foot roller type Ammann ASC-200, and 23 units of water tank truck type Mitsubishi-125HD at Rp 22.979.058.760,00.

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.

Study on Site Selection and Layout Planning of Public Toilets in Urban Comprehensive Park: Taking Xuanwu Lake Park in Nanjing as an example

Reasonable location and layout of public toilets can ensure the use efficiency of toilets in the park, and improve the use experience of tourists and satisfaction with the park. (1) Based on the background of “tourism toilet revolution”, this paper summarizes the existing methods to solve the problem of facility location, and analyzes the possibility of facility location in urban park. (2) This paper summarizes the single constraint conditions of the existing facilities location, less considering the flow of people and other issues, proposes and establishes a multi-level, multi constraint condition location model. (3) The optimization model proposed in this paper is applied to the location and layout of public toilets in Xuanwu Lake Park, Nanjing. (4) The location model proposed in this paper can meet a variety of constraints at the same time, and provide a more convenient, scientific and economic location method for urban park public toilets and other infrastructure services, landscape buildings, and provide reference for other types of urban park landscape building facilities location.

Probabilistic Fire Risk Framework for Optimizing Construction Site Layout

Purpose: This paper aims to develop an efficient model able to reduce catastrophic consequences and the significant number of victims resulting from fires at construction sites. The paper proposes probabilistic modeling aimed to minimize the probability of failure of a construction site. Methodology: The developed model in this paper consists of modeling fire hazards, the vulnerability of the potential targets, and the risk within construction sites. The optimization algorithm called “differential evolution” is used in order to determine the optimal site layout, which is characterized by having the smallest overall probability of failure. A numerical simulation is performed to delineate an appropriate probability density function of the failure of the site. In addition, a geographic information system (GIS) is used to display the spatial variability of fire risk on a construction site. Findings: The paper provides an efficient model to enhance site layout planning and assign locations for supporting temporary facilities at appropriate positions within a construction site. The model is examined through applying it on a simple case study containing numerous facilities. All these facilities are considered vulnerable targets and some of them are potential fire hazards, with different intensity values. Value: Most of the previous research focuses on travel cost distance in developing site layout planning models. This paper fulfills the development of a valuable model able to generate an optimized construction site layout by minimizing the probability of failure of the whole site. It will assist the decision makers and the risk managers in identifying the riskiest zones on a construction site.

A Novel Hybrid Metaheuristic Algorithm for Optimization of Construction Management Site Layout Planning

Symbiotic organisms search (SOS) is a promising metaheuristic algorithm that has been studied recently by numerous researchers due to its capability to solve various hard and complex optimization problems. SOS is a powerful optimization technique that mimics the simulation of the typical symbiotic interactions among organisms in an ecosystem. This study presents a new SOS-based hybrid algorithm for solving the challenging construction site layout planning (CSLP) discrete problems. A new algorithm called the hybrid symbiotic organisms search with local operators (HSOS-LO) represents a combination of the canonical SOS and several local search mechanisms aimed at increasing the searching capability in discrete-based solution space. In this study, three CSLP problems that consist of single and multi-floor facility layout problems are tested, and the obtained results were compared with other widely used metaheuristic algorithms. The results indicate the robust performance of the HSOS-LO algorithm in handling discrete-based CSLP problems.

Dynamic transportation planning for prefabricated component supply chain

PurposePrefabricated construction concerns off-site production, multi-mode transportation and on-site installation of the prefabricated components, which are interdependent and dynamically interactive, so coordination among the multiple stages along the prefabricated component supply chain (PCSC) is indispensable. This study aims to solve the dynamic transportation planning problem for the PCSC by addressing the interdependency, dynamic interaction and coordination among the multiple stages and different objectives of the stakeholders.Design/methodology/approachThe PCSC is analyzed and then the formulation for the dynamic transportation planning problem is developed based on the just-in-time (JIT) strategy. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is applied to solve the dynamic optimization problem.FindingsThe proposed dynamic transportation planning method for the PCSC regarding component supplier selection, transportation planning for means, routes and schedule, site layout planning and transportation plan adjustment is able to facilitate coordination among the multiple stages by addressing their interdependencies and dynamic interactions, as well as different economic objectives of the stakeholders such as suppliers or the contractor.Originality/valueThe study helps to achieve the advantages of prefabricated construction by prompting coordination among multiple stages of the PCSC by realizing different benefits of the stakeholders. In addition, it provides the stakeholders with the competitive bidding prices and the evaluation data for the bids quote. Meanwhile, it contributes to the domain knowledge of the PCSC management with regard to the viewpoint of coordination and integration of multiple stages rather than only one stage as well as the dynamic optimization model based on the JIT strategy and the PSO algorithm.

Adoption of Virtual Reality (VR) for Site Layout Optimization of Construction Projects

Among the significant tasks of construction site management, site layout planning is a crucial activity which leads to project success. Currently the concept of an optimized construction site layout emerge as a result of executing tools and techniques that construction project management discipline provides. Despite the plentiful existence of site layout techniques, the authors of this paper believe that incorporation of Virtual Reality (VR) for jobsite organization is a valuable and modern management phenomenon for optimal planning of the site layout planning. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to assess traditional practices for site layout planning and introduce the application of VR in construction jobsite organizations involving site layout planning, collision detection and evaluation of construction site layout scenarios. In this paper, two different construction jobsite scenarios for the structural phase of the building construction are created and for optimization purposes implemented through the 3D model developed are on Autodesk Revit software, SketchUp and Lumion. VR box headset is used for testing purposes of the proposed 3D jobsite organization model. A descriptive case study is examined in order to describe the proposed organizational plan for the created scenarios. In this research, questionnaire survey is chosen as one of the research instrument for data collection and evaluation purposes. Results presented in this paper, provide industry professionals with a better understanding of the benefits, advantages and how VR technology improves the effectiveness of jobsite layout planning compared to traditional practices.

UAV-based 3D reconstruction for hoist site mapping and layout planning in petrochemical construction

Hoisting operations are an essential part of petrochemical plant construction. The pre-layout planning of hoisting facilities, including hoisted objects and cranes, is the key to ensuring the success of the entire construction. However, most current site layout planning methods optimize construction facilities from the 2D plane space, which makes the safety of large-scale hoisting difficult to guarantee. This work proposes an unmanned-aerial-vehicle-based 3D reconstruction for hoist site mapping and layout planning. The core of this study is to utilize real-time 3D spatial information as a constraint for hoisting facility layout planning. Improved image-based modeling techniques are used to reconstruct the 3D construction site model in real-time. The geometric parameters extracted by the site model support the mathematical programming model presented in this work for a safe and efficient rapid layout planning. The C101 tower hoisting in the construction of the Wuhan Petrochemical Plant is used to verify the effectiveness of the method. Calculation results show that the method can push the position and save planning time intelligently. Furthermore, this method can provide a new solution to hoisting safety and efficiency.

Performance Evaluation of Construction Project in Erbil City by adopting Site Layout planning

In general, construction site management is planning, organizing, leading, directing, monitoring, and controlling overall construction activities, during the implementation phase, one of the key elements of construction site management is site layout planning, which is identifying, sizing, and placing temporary facilities within construction boundaries. It has got enormous influence on project parameters. The main aim of this study is to investigate Erbil’s project’s site layout performance. The study was carried out in Erbil, 16 projects have selected for assessment. From the result, it was found that these projects suffer from poor site layout planning, as there was a poor plan for construction facilities, the location of these facilities was wrong, almost, all projects have neglected safety-related issues and much more factors which have been discussed in the analysis section. As a solution, the researcher believes that the current site layout design of projects need immediate improvement, planning should be considered as priority for every single temporary facility during construction; safety basic should be implemented, including wearing PPE; labor accommodation should be improved; sanitation of the workforce should be good; and many other site layout elements should be developed.

Minimizing Consequences of Explosive Attacks on Remote Construction Sites

Remote construction sites, such as oil production facilities and military forward operating bases, are frequently targeted by explosive terrorist attacks. These attacks produce devastating and far-reaching consequences that can be grouped into four main categories: personnel loss, psychological impact, economic loss, and operational impact. Existing security models rely on time-consuming external blast analysis software packages to quantify the consequences of explosive attacks and therefore cannot be used to optimize the layout planning of remote construction sites. This paper developed a novel facility layout optimization model capable of directly quantifying blast consequences and generating optimal site layout plans and protection strategies. The model is implemented using multiobjective genetic algorithms to identify solutions that provide optimal tradeoffs between the competing objectives of minimizing site explosive attack consequences and minimizing site construction costs. A case study of a hypothetical remote military base was analyzed to demonstrate the use of the model and display its unique capabilities.

Modelling the effect of multi-stakeholder interactions on construction site layout planning using agent-based decentralized optimization

Abstract Construction site layout planning (CSLP) is important to ensure that cost, time, quality and environmental impacts are strictly controlled. Even though extensive research has been conducted on CSLP problems, the effect of the multi-stakeholder interactions on optimal site layout plans has been less studied. Therefore, this paper proposes an agent-based decentralized bi-level mathematical model that incorporates decisions from three stakeholders, to examine the CSLP multi-stakeholder interactions. To solve the model, a particle swarm optimization (PSO)-based solution approach is developed to generate the CSLP, construction material logistics planning (CMLP) and security planning (SP) solutions in an integrated CSLP-CMLP/SP system. Specifically, the stakeholders are modelled as individual agents with respective decisions and objective functions, and the inter-dependencies between the layout planner and the other two stakeholders (i.e. the logistics planner and the safety manager) are simultaneously incorporated and dealt with using the bi-level model. The multi-stakeholder interactions are realized by iteratively updating the individual decisions to determine an optimal integrated solution in which the potential stakeholder conflicts in the construction stage are minimized. A case study is given to validate the practicality of the designed model in addressing the CSLP-CMLP and CSLP-SP interactions. The contributions of this research are its applicability to model the effect of multi-stakeholder interactions in agent-based decentralized models, the design of a PSO-based solution approach to achieve an integrated CSLP-CMLP/SP solution, and the provision of academic and practical guidance for decision makers to further enrich global decentralized CSLP research.

A simulated annealing optimization algorithm for equal and un-equal area construction site layout problem

Construction Site Layout Planning (CSLP) is an important problem because of its impact on time, cost, productivity, and safety of the projects. In this paper, CSLP is formulated by the Quadratic Assignment Problem (QAP). At first, two case studies including equal and un-equal area facilities are solved by the simulated annealing optimization algorithm. Then, the obtained results are compared with the other papers. The comparisons show that the proposed Simulated Annealing (SA) is as efficient as ACO, PSO, CBO, ECBO, WOA, WOA-CBO, and ACO-PA which have been proposed by other papers for the same problems. As a result, the comparisons show that SA is as capable as other meta-heuristics of solving the combinatorial optimization problems like CSLP, while the hardware properties and computational times have been compared. Besides the comparisons, the design of experiments shows the relationship between each SA parameter and the computational time of the algorithm. Also, the history of convergence of the proposed SA indicates the high speed of reaching the optimal solution and the artificial intelligence of the proposed SA.

Optimization of facilities and efficient site management:Pune Metro Rail Project

An effective site layout and construction planning for a large-scale and complicated construction project not only affects its productivity and cost, it also controls whether a project can be operated and completed in an efficient manner. In most of the sites, site layout planning is mostly a neglected aspect. For a large-scale project like metros it is difficult to sustain same layout throughout the project duration as the requirement for different attributes changes often. Most construction sites that run into trouble because of reasons related to managerial factors rather than technical problems. The site-based management can result in significant improvements in the time and cost savings during the construction process without involving excessive work. Now a days due to site scarcity i.e. limited site space, high cost of purchasing and site selection is considered as essential as other resources. In this paper, we study the current site layout of Pune metro rail project and identify various problems practically faced on construction site. For systematic approach of planning we determine operational problem and relative positions of different departments as a solution for faced problems. Thus, an optimized layout is prepared to minimize travelling distances, to minimize repeated handling of materials, to increase productivity and to create a safe working environment as it also affects the productivity.

Applying rule-based model-checking to construction site layout planning tasks

Abstract Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a widely established method in the architecture, engineering, construction, and facilities management (AEC/FM) industry. Although BIM focuses on processes throughout the lifecycle of the built environment, the applications in the planning phase, e.g. the generation of construction site layouts, have not reached their full potential yet. One important example herein is the allocation and dimensioning of resources (e.g., building materials and equipment) which is typically carried out by humans according to clearly defined rules and best practices. This paper presents model-based rule checking for the planning of construction site layouts. We demonstrate that existing Business Rule Management Systems (BRMS), such as the open-source rule engine Drools, can be used. We combine Drools with the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) to retrieve data from a building information model and use the information within the rule engine. We define general model requirements and implement a sample set of prototype rules. We also introduce the concept of offset geometry for rules that, for example, demand a known safety distance between temporary construction site elements. The developed approaches are explained and evaluated in field-realistic, practical case studies. Finally, we present a discussion how the application of the developed rule-based system may assist human decision making in tasks such as safe construction sites layout planning.

Construction Site Layout Planning: Application of Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization*

Construction Site Layout Planning (CSLP) comprises determining, sizing and placing of the temporary facilities within the boundaries of a construction site by considering many factors. Traveling distance between facilities and safety risks are two essential factors that need to be minimized while planning site layout of a construction project. Many studies treated CSLP as a single objective optimization problem. They have mainly focused on either diminishing the travel cost of resources on site without considering the safety aspect or vice versa. While a few of the studies have treated the problem as a multi-objective optimization problem, none of them included a risk assessment approach including crane-related constraints. Hence, a user-friendly CSLP model that includes a risk assessment approach for safety constraints is proposed by using a Multi-Objective Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm based on Pareto dominance approach to minimize both the construction safety risks of crane operated projects and the total traveling distance of the resources between temporary facilities.

Charged System Search and Magnetic Charged System Search Algorithms for Construction Site Layout Planning Optimization

Construction site layout planning can be considered as an effort to place different temporary facilities in available site locations such that multiple objectives are satisfied as much as possible. With the extension of high-rise building construction and construction activities besides the lack of available spaces in construction sites, proper utilization of this resource has been highlighted because of its significant positive influences on direct cost, safety, and security of the site which consequently affects the total cost and schedule of the project. Thus the construction site layout planning is considered as one of the essential and important phases in construction projects. Site layout planning problem is an NP-Hard problem from the viewpoint of complexity. In this research, two prominent meta-heuristic algorithms, namely Charged System Search (CSS) and Magnetic Charged System Search (MCSS) are utilized to optimize the site layout planning problem. The obtained results of implementing these two algorithms for two different types of site space modeling are compared with the results of the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm and also those of the previous studies. The results illustrate the capability of the CSS and MCSS algorithms in solving the present problem.

Critical success factors for implementing building information modelling (BIM): A longitudinal review

Abstract Although building information modelling (BIM) is ubiquitous within the construction industry, a review analysis on critical success factors (CSFs) used to measure successful BIM implementation is not well established. This research conducts a comprehensive review and interpretivist study of published studies on CSFs for BIM implementation during the period 2005 to 2015. Analysis reveals that some countries (e.g. USA, UK and South Korea) have developed clear CSFs for measuring successful BIM implementation, although each country implements a different sets of CSFs, some universal CSFs are shared between these countries, namely: collaboration in design, engineering, and construction stakeholders; earlier and accurate 3D visualisation of design; coordination and planning of construction works; enhancing exchange of information and knowledge management; and improved site layout planning and site safety. These common factors provide a core basis for establishing a standard evaluation model for measuring the success of BIM implementation and serve to identify areas for further improvement. A checklist of CSFs for BIM implementation is developed, and could render new insight for researchers and practitioners to conduct further empirical studies.

A quantitative safety risk assessment model for construction site layout planning

A good site layout is necessary to provide a safe construction site environment. Previous studies treated construction site layout planning as an optimization problem to achieve high safety performance. However, the optimization problem does not contain holistic risk factor analysis. Risk factors such as the dangers of falling objects, noise pollution and hazardous chemicals tend to be neglected. Moreover, when site managers face different site layout scenarios, no safety risk assessment models are currently available to help them make decisions. Therefore, this paper aims to develop a quantitative safety risk assessment model, including factor identification and classification, factor analysis, and assessment function development, to help site managers evaluate different site layout scenarios more accurately and holistically. In factor identification and classification, the interaction flows between facilities are initially considered as risk factors. Safety/environmental concerns which were not deeply probed into by previous studies are also considered. For the above two risk factor categories, safety risk assessment functions are developed according to the likelihood of accident occurrence and the linear attenuation law respectively. Finally, a case study is used to verify the proposed model. This study interprets how to implement site safety management by means of site facility layout improvement. It enriches occupational safety research by providing a systematic model for assessing site layout plans in a quantitative and more valid manner. The findings help conduct effective site safety management by proper facilities displacement during the preconstruction stage and in turn guarantee construction safety in later stages.

Conflict resolution-motivated strategy towards integrated construction site layout and material logistics planning: A bi-stakeholder perspective

Abstract Efficiency of construction site layout planning (CSLP) and construction material logistics planning (CMLP) is of great significance for a successful project control. Despite considerable research undertaken to separately optimize the site layout plan or material logistics plan, the interdependencies and decision conflicts of the layout planner and the logistics planner are neglected in the construction planning and design phase. The ignorance of the decision conflicts and interdependencies can lead to an overrun cost, a delayed project or a worse quality. This research proposes a decentralized methodology based on a bi-level model and a Bi-PSO algorithm, enabling the layout planner and the logistics planner to optimize the CSLP and the CMLP in an integrated model. Fuzzy random parameters are utilized to deal with uncertainty in the data collection process. By utilizing the methodology, the stakeholders are capable of adjusting the respective decisions based on the changes of others. By iteratively adjusting the CSLP and CMLP solutions, the CSLP-CMLP decision conflicts are dealt with, accordingly, the bi-stakeholder conflict resolution-motivated CSLP-CMLP strategy is planned. To demonstrate the applicability of the proposed methodology, a real case study is conducted to optimize CSLP and CMLP simultaneously. The significance of optimizing an integrated CSLP-CMLP for the layout planner, the logistics planner and the general contractor is also justified. The contributions of this research include the capability of modeling the decision conflicts in a bi-level model, the ability of generating an integrated CSLP-CMLP solution and the practicality of guiding academic researchers and practitioners to optimize construction management from a global viewpoint. The research can be extended to other fields to explore the effects of decentralized decision making on other bi-stakeholder conflict resolution cases.