BIM-based Applications of Metaheuristic Algorithms to Support the Decision-making Process: Uses in the Planning of Construction Site Layout

The use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) is affecting the way in which construction projects are planned, designed, executed and operated. One of the main goals of BIM is to provide, based on a 3D model, an accurate information model in a digital format to give different project participants better tools when evaluating different options to support their decisions about the project at a given phase. With this in mind, BIM provides a suitable framework to support the decision-makings process by aggregating the necessary information at the right time, and clarifying details and existing conditions; however, the different elements required to make an optimized decision need additional consideration. To address that, this paper explores the value of metaheuristic algorithms for reaching an optimized solution. The use of metaheuristic algorithms is well known in various aspects of knowledge optimization. This paper provides an overall review of the applications of metaheuristic algorithms in BIM-based optimized decisions in the construction industry and focuses on applications to the planning of construction site layout. Based on the findings from this paper, research gaps in this area have been identified and suggestions for future research to address those gaps are suggested. (c) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.