Alshboul, O.; Al-Shboul, K.; Shehadeh, A. and Tatari, O. (2026) Advancing equipment management for construction: Introducing a new model for cost, time and quality optimization. Construction Innovation, 26(4), pp. 1191-1217. ISSN 1471-4175
Abstract
Purpose – This paper aims to improve the selection process of heavy machinery in construction projects by developing an advanced optimization technique using the Improved Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm (IPSOM). The main objectives of such a study are to optimize the key parameters of time and cost while ensuring adherence to a predefined quality benchmarks, thereby facilitating more informed and balanced decision-making in construction management. Design/methodology/approach – A rigorous methodology was applied to identify the relevant optimization parameters, combining a comprehensive literature review with consultations with industry experts. This approach identified the most influential factors affecting machinery selection, ensuring the model's applicability and relevance across different project scales and complexities. Unique to this study, the model's novelty lies in its advanced application of the IPSOM tailored to the construction industry's specific needs, offering a systematic approach to balancing time, cost and quality considerations. Findings – IPSOM was validated through a detailed case study, which provided empirical evidence of the model's effectiveness in a real-world application. The study introduces a groundbreaking approach to optimizing equipment selection in highway construction, with the dual aims of minimizing costs and project duration while maintaining high-quality standards. The model proposed in the study saved 53% time, reduced costs by 30.8% and increased quality by 26.3%, outperforming traditional equipment selection methods. Originality/value – The case study analysis demonstrated the model's adaptability and potential as a crucial tool for decision-making in construction projects.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | decision-making; equipment combination; highway infrastructure; mathematical solutions; optimization algorithm |
| Index terms: | equipment management, literature review, complexity, decision-making, methodology, influential factor, construction project, optimization algorithm, adaptability, evidence, optimization technique, equipment selection, case study, quality standard, construction industry, highway infrastructure, duration, highway construction, effectiveness |
| Subjects: | quality assurance, research methods, algorithms, production management, user focus, evaluation and assessment methods, decision analysis, project controls, systems engineering, industry analysis, civil engineering, performance management, procurement capability, operational management, data analysis and analytics, risk assessment, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Design Practice, Time Control, Research Practice, Plant and Equipment, Supply Chain Management, Quality Management, Engineering Principles, Project Management, Risk Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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