Zheng, R; Li, Z; Li, L; Dou, Y; Yuan, M and Yin, X (2024) Proposing a lean-optimized scheduling model of mixed-flow prefabricated component production in off-site construction. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 150(8): 04024088, ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
The scheduling of prefabricated component production is crucial for production efficiency and timely delivery in off-site construction (OSC). However, the prevalence of mixed-flow production in prefabrication renders conventional scheduling methods inadequate, leading to cost overruns and waiting issues. This study introduces a lean-based mixed-flow production scheduling approach to address the scheduling challenges in mixed-flow prefabrication. Guided by lean principles, this research analyzes the mixed-flow production process and process wastes, resolving issues of group production, pull production, and overall scheduling enhancement through multiobjective optimization modeling. A nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) based solution algorithm was established to minimize completion times, tardiness/earliness penalty, and type changes, thereby eliminating waste and ensuring continuous production. The effectiveness of the proposed approach was validated through a real case study, showing an average 1.84% reduction in makespan, 24.19% cost savings, and 36.03% reduction in waiting times compared to conventional nonlean optimization methods, while demonstrating good stability and reliability. This study innovates in engineering scheduling management and contributes to the development of lean construction theory, providing concrete support for component suppliers' successful delivery and promoting further development in OSC.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | lean construction; mixed-flow production; nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II; off-site construction; prefabricated component; production scheduling |
| Index terms: | cost saving, modelling, off-site construction, prefabrication, prefabricated component, effectiveness, pull production, cost overrun, efficiency, case study, process waste, completion time, stability, production process, lean construction, genetic algorithm, penalty, scheduling |
| Subjects: | data collection methods, waste management, design methods, operations research, analytical methods, financial and cost management, structural engineering, manufacturing engineering, performance management, economics, algorithms, project controls, lean logistics, building construction, regulatory law |
| Topics: | Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Cost Management, Sustainability, Construction Technology, Supply Chain Management, Quality Management, Digital Applications, Legal Issues, Design Practice, Site Management, Time Control |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCE |
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