Site pre-cast yard layout arrangement through genetic algorithms

• Published in: Automation in construction Vol. 11; no. 1; pp. 35 - 46
• Main Authors: Cheung, Sai-On, Tong, Thomas Kin-Lun, Tam, Chi-Ming
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 2002; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Building structure; Buildings. Public works; Computation methods. Tables. Charts; Construction (buildings and works); Construction works; Costs; Exact sciences and technology; Genetic algorithms; Houses; Optimal control systems; Order chromosome; Precast concrete; Prefabricated structure; Site organization; Site pre-cast yard; Site selection; Structural analysis. Stresses; Transportation charges; Warehouses; Order chromosome; Site pre-cast yard; Genetic algorithms; Prefabricated construction; Building site; Genetic algorithm; Site selection; Site organization; Numerical simulation; Resource management; Arrangement
• ISSN: 0926-5805
• DOI: 10.1016/S0926-5805(01)00044-9

The use of modular construction has gained wide acceptance in the housing sector. Standardized modular units are often pre-cast on site. The establishment of site pre-cast yard, in particular arranging the pre-cast facilities within the compound, presents real challenge to site management. This complex task is further aggregated with the involvement of several resources with different transport cost. A GA-model is developed for the search for a near optimal layout solution. The fitness function is to minimize the total transport cost for a pre-determined daily output. The use of the model is illustrated by an example. When compared with the best solution within the initial population, 18.45% reduction in cost for resources flow was achieved by the near optimal layout arrangement arrived at the 673rd trial. It is also suggested that the model can be extended to other layout problems such as warehouse and production line.