Optimization of floor-level construction material layout using Genetic Algorithms

The most commonly used method for space management in the construction industry is the development of site plans. While these plans outline how to manage material deliveries, staging areas and crane locations for construction job sites in suburban areas, they are inadequate for those in congested, urban areas. This study focuses on the floor-level construction material layout which is required for multiple-floor building where multiple construction works occur simultaneously in close proximity. By minimizing excessive repositioning of construction materials, the floor-level construction material layout would assist in finding sufficient space for construction materials in urban areas where space is limited around the building sites. The floor-level construction material layout provides project managers with a valuable technique for developing efficient sequences of works that optimally defines how to efficiently position the construction materials and minimize the travel distance between work spots and specific construction materials in a multiple-floor space. This paper compares total distances of construction material handling between an actual case and the output of Genetic Algorithm (GA). Comparative analysis of the output generated by the GA and the actual case study reveals that inefficiencies in positioning of construction materials at the floor-level can lead to an increase in the construction labor material handling distance by 14%. For the projects reported herein, the problems observed were poor building floor storage practices and double-handling of construction materials that were incompatible with limited multiple-floor space. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.