Yousefi, E; Ahmadian Fard Fini, A and Loganathan, S (2025) Production-oriented approach for optimal mass-customisation of floor panel layouts in cross-laminated timber (CLT) buildings. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 32(9), pp. 5965-5988. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose - This study aims to develop a production-oriented approach for optimal mass-customisation of floor panel layouts in cross-laminated timber (CLT) buildings. The study enables meeting building clients’ unique floor plan requirements at an optimal cost and simultaneously enhances manufacturers’ profit by minimising material and manufacturing process waste. Design/methodology/approach - The present research uses a hybrid approach consisting of field data collection, mathematical modelling, development of a Genetic Algorithm (GA) and scenario analysis. Field data includes engineered timber production information, design data and building code requirements. The study adopts the Flexible Demand Assignment (FDA) technique to formulate a mathematical model for optimising the design of mass timber buildings and employs GA to identify optimal production solutions. Scenario analysis is performed to validate model outputs. Findings - The proposed model successfully determines the load-bearing wall placement and building spans and specifications of floor panels that result in optimal production efficiency and the desired architectural layout. The results indicate that buildings made of a single category of thickness of panels but customised in various lengths to suit building layout are the most profitable scenario for CLT manufacturers and are a cost-effective option for clients. Originality/value - The originality of the present study lies in its mathematical and model-driven approach towards implementing mass customisation in multi-storey buildings. The proposed model has been developed and validated based on a comprehensive set of real-world data and constraints.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction planning; integrated practice; novel model; optimization |
| Index terms: | building code, mass timber, methodology, profit, placement, manufacturer, thickness, genetic algorithm, mathematical model, specification, cross-laminated timber, mass customization, option, construction planning, mathematical modelling, scenario analysis, manufacturing process, integrated practice, optimal cost, efficiency, customization |
| Subjects: | management, performance management, contractual condition, decision analysis, regulatory law, mathematical modelling, building materials, construction planning, manufacturing engineering, research methods, algorithms, policy studies, materials science, practitioner, construction manufacturing, bidding, economic analysis, analytical methods |
| Topics: | Risk Management, Procurement, Engineering Principles, Legal Issues, Quality Management, Roles and Professions, Governance, Business Strategy, Research Practice, Construction Materials, Contract Administration, Site Management, Design Practice, Digital Applications, Human Resources |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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