Amiri, R; Majrouhi Sardroud, J and Momenaei Kermani, V (2023) Decision support system for tower crane location and material supply point in construction sites using an integer linear programming model. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 30(4), pp. 1444-1462. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: The site layout has a significant impact on the efficiency of construction operations. Planning an effective site layout partly involves identifying and positioning temporary facilities such as tower cranes and areas on the jobsite for materials storage. This study proposes an approach to optimizing the type and location of the tower crane and material supply point on construction sites. Design/methodology/approach: The problem is formulated into an integer linear programming (ILP) model considering the total cost of material transportation as the objective function and site conditions as constraints. The efficacy of the approach is demonstrated by finding the optimum site layout for a numerical example. The proposed model is validated and verified using two methods. Findings: Results indicate that the proposed model successfully identifies the type and location of the tower crane and the location of material supply point, leading to approximately 20% cost reduction compared with when such features of a site layout are decided solely based on experience and educated guesses of the construction manager. Originality/value: The primary contribution of this study is to present a modified linear mathematical model for site layout optimization that exhibits improved performance compared with previous models. The type and location of the tower crane and the material supply point as decision variables are extracted directly from solving the proposed model. The proposed model will help enhance time and cost efficiency on construction sites.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction site; decision making; integer linear programming; material supply point; optimization; tower crane |
| Index terms: | methodology, decision-making, construction manager, cost reduction, cost efficiency, site layout, decision support, mathematical model, construction site, efficiency, tower crane, linear programming, construction operation |
| Subjects: | work location, construction operations, site logistics, profession, mathematical modelling, decision analysis, performance management, economics, algorithms, research methods, maintenance engineering |
| Topics: | Site Management, Digital Applications, Quality Management, Risk Management, Roles and Professions, Business Strategy, Cost Management, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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