Comparison of spreadsheet-based optimization tools applied to construction site layout problem

This paper compares different spreadsheet-based optimization tools applied to a practical example of a construction site layout problem. The objective of the optimization is to minimize the total time of material transportation by optimal positioning of tower crane and work facilities on the construction site with repetitive operations. Computer programs, such as MS Excel, LibreOffice Calc, and Google Sheets can be applied as modeling tools for a variety of construction optimization problems in addition to their usual functionalities. In this study, LibreOffice Calc Solver, MS Excel Solver, along with other MS Excel add-ins, i.e., OpenSolver, Evolver, and What’sBest, are analyzed. The capabilities of optimization tools mentioned above are examined on the problem of optimal positioning of tower crane and work facilities on the construction site. The results obtained by optimization tools are noted and discussed. The paper ends with conclusions and recommendations for further research.

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.

Optimization of construction site layout using dynamic hybrid bacterial and ant colony algorithm

The efficient plan of site arrangement during the construction phase has been considered a vital duty to successful project performance due to the productivity enhancement as well as safety in executions. The optimization of the Construction Site Layout Problem (CSLP) is a combinatorial complexity that regards numerous objectives and considerable growth of scale as increasing of constraints and facilities. The rearrangement on site may thus need to be had dynamic plannings at several interval schedules as construction evolves to accommodate site needs. To resolve the complexity of this problem, many studies based on the Meta-heuristic approach have been done, there are however always drawbacks and should be improved to be more optimal. This research proposes a new Hybrid Meta-heuristic model which is a combination of Ant Colony Optimization algorithm (ACO), Bacterial foraging algorithm (BFA), and Pair-Wise Exchange Heuristic algorithm (PWEH). The proposed algorithm is named Dynamic Hybrid Ant Colony Algorithm (DHACA) model that can enhance local and global searches simultaneously. In addition, parameter values are optimized to create a better solution. This research also demonstrates the effectiveness of DHACA compared with the previous studies such as Multi-objectives Genetic Algorithm (MOGA), Simulated Annealing Algorithm based Multi-objectives Genetic Algorithm (SA-based MOGA) on the CSLP. DHACA supports the construction site dynamic planning with constraints on facilities to improve work efficiency.

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.