An integrated optimization and visualization approach for construction site layout planning considering primary and reuse building materials

Construction Site Layout Planning (CSLP) facilitates cost reduction, productivity enhancement, and mitigation of safety risks across both on-site and off-site construction sectors. As an optimization challenge, it primarily focuses on determining the most suitable locations and dimensions for temporary facilities (TFs) designated for materials. However, the limited attention given to the reuse of materials poses obstacles to the practical application of optimization results. Moreover, the reliance on two-dimensional (2D) visualizations for layout presentation falls short of meeting practical demands. To address these issues, this study proposes an integrated approach that combines optimization and visualization for CSLP, taking into account both primary and reuse materials. Initially, the calculation methods for determining the on-site dimensions of TFs, transportation frequencies, and distances, considering material stacking patterns and inventory levels, transportation processes, and on-site obstacles are introduced. Subsequently, the CSLP problem is formulated as a mathematical model aimed at minimizing the total transportation cost. Furthermore, a heuristic algorithm, based on the greedy algorithm and identified available on-site space, is designed to solve this model. A comparative analysis with other widely-used meta-heuristic algorithms, such as ant colony optimization, genetic algorithms, and particle swarm optimization, demonstrates the superiority of the designed algorithm in solving the CSLP problem. Lastly, a Building Information Modeling (BIM)-based parametric modeling is employed to automatically and dynamically present the optimized results in a 3D format. The proposed approach is illustrated and validated through a case study conducted in Chongqing, China. The findings reveal that the proposed approach can efficiently and accurately produce 3D layouts for storage and processing TFs accommodating both primary and reused materials. Not only does this study enrich the existing literature on CSLP, but it also presents practical solutions for real-world planning.