Cheng, M Y and Yang, S C (2001) GIS-based cost estimates integrating with material layout planning. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 127(4), pp. 291-299. ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
This study is focused on developing an automated site layout system for construction materials. The system, MaterialPlan, including a geographic information system (GIS) based cost estimates system integrated with material layout planning, is a new tool to assist managers in identifying suitable areas to locate construction materials. As tabulation of all project quantities is calculated using GIS, linkages are established between the graphical features of detailed design and the related estimating quantities. Based on information regarding quantities and locations of the materials required in the project, this study identifies the suitable site to store the materials. Using the concept of "searching by elimination," the system develops a heuristic approach, modeling the process of human decision making to generate potential sites for placing the materials. An objective function called the proximity index is developed to determine the optimal site. In conclusion, MaterialPlan demonstrates that GIS is a promising tool for solving construction layout problems and thus opens up a new way of thinking for the management of spatial information in construction planning and design.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Index terms: | manager, site layout, decision-making, estimating, heuristic, linkage, construction material, placing, geographic information system, cost estimate, modelling, construction planning |
| Subjects: | concrete and cementitious materials, decision analysis, geographical techniques and analysis, business, risk assessment, practitioner, building materials, financial and cost management, analytical methods, site logistics, construction planning |
| Topics: | Site Management, Risk Management, Roles and Professions, Geographical Context, Engineering Principles, Construction Materials, Business Strategy, Cost Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 2 PC |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here