Pham, V. H. S. and Pham, D. H. (2026) Advanced construction site layout planning for prefabricated projects: An application of the new algorithm. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 33(3), pp. 2471-2511. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose – This study aims to optimize the construction site layout planning (CSLP) problem, with a focus on prefabricated projects. It proposes the use of the oMOAHA algorithm, an enhanced version of the multi-objective artificial hummingbird algorithm (MOAHA), to address challenges related to search space exploration and local optimization in CSLP. Design/methodology/approach – The study integrates three techniques – opposition-based learning (OBL), quasi-opposition and quasi-reflection – into the initialization phase of the MOAHA algorithm, creating the oMOAHA variant. This model is applied to all three types of CSLP problems – pre-determined location, grid system and continuous space – to evaluate its effectiveness. Six objective functions (three related to cost, two to safety and one to tower crane efficiency) and four site-related constraints are considered through three case studies taken from previous research and one real project involving prefabricated steel structures. Findings – The oMOAHA algorithm demonstrates superior performance compared to previous models, consistently outperforming traditional approaches in CSLP optimization for prefabricated projects. In the real case study, the proposed model exceeded the actual project plan by 28–43%, indicating its potential to significantly improve both solution quality and project outcomes. Originality/value – This study is the first to apply an optimization model to all three types of CSLP problems – pre-determined location, grid system and continuous space – within a unified framework. The integration of advanced techniques into the MOAHA algorithm and the model's successful application in a real prefabricated project underscore its high applicability and effectiveness in modern construction management.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction site layout planning; multi-objective artificial hummingbird algorithm; opposition-based learning; optimization; prefabricated construction |
| Index terms: | efficiency, case study, tower crane, project outcome, reflection, effectiveness, steel structure, construction site, integration, exploration, methodology |
| Subjects: | environmental resource management, project completion, research methods, maintenance engineering, work location, data collection methods, organizational analysis, professional development, specialized materials and systems, performance management |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Information Management, Construction Materials, Business Strategy, Site Management, Organizational Design, Project Management, Sustainability, Quality Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
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