Dynamic transportation planning for prefabricated component supply chain

Abstract

PurposePrefabricated construction concerns off-site production, multi-mode transportation and on-site installation of the prefabricated components, which are interdependent and dynamically interactive, so coordination among the multiple stages along the prefabricated component supply chain (PCSC) is indispensable. This study aims to solve the dynamic transportation planning problem for the PCSC by addressing the interdependency, dynamic interaction and coordination among the multiple stages and different objectives of the stakeholders.Design/methodology/approachThe PCSC is analyzed and then the formulation for the dynamic transportation planning problem is developed based on the just-in-time (JIT) strategy. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is applied to solve the dynamic optimization problem.FindingsThe proposed dynamic transportation planning method for the PCSC regarding component supplier selection, transportation planning for means, routes and schedule, site layout planning and transportation plan adjustment is able to facilitate coordination among the multiple stages by addressing their interdependencies and dynamic interactions, as well as different economic objectives of the stakeholders such as suppliers or the contractor.Originality/valueThe study helps to achieve the advantages of prefabricated construction by prompting coordination among multiple stages of the PCSC by realizing different benefits of the stakeholders. In addition, it provides the stakeholders with the competitive bidding prices and the evaluation data for the bids quote. Meanwhile, it contributes to the domain knowledge of the PCSC management with regard to the viewpoint of coordination and integration of multiple stages rather than only one stage as well as the dynamic optimization model based on the JIT strategy and the PSO algorithm.

Critical capabilities of improving supply chain resilience in industrialized construction in Hong Kong

“…Determining transportation batch sizes is another critical decision that should be taken for controlling the flow of prefabricated components and synchronizing these timings in both the prefabrication plant and assembly site (Bataglin et al, 2017). Therefore, these key decisions should be collaboratively taken by the relevant SC stakeholders involved in the flow of the prefabricated components (Zhang and Yu, 2020). Under these circumstances, distributed decision making is identified as a CSCC to enhance the ability to withstand SCV successfully.…”

Best practices for implementing industrialized construction projects: lessons from nine case studies

“…The plan must provide adequate protection of the modules to prevent potential damages, deformation or deterioration of the modules during loading, transit, unloading and hoisting for installation. Consistent with existing scholarships (Kong et al , 2018; Zhang and Yu, 2020), where feasible, the JiT supply chain arrangement ensures timely delivery of the modules, reduces site storage costs and facilitates optimal crane usage.…”

Exploring a body of knowledge for promoting the sustainable transition to prefabricated construction

“…However, the components or modular cast in factories need to be delivered to the construction site. Transportation-related issues are not received highly conducted in prefabricated construction (Zhang and Yu, 2020), such as, the improvement of transportation capacity can make great contribution to effective delivery of precast products, meanwhile, the identification of transportation paths can help to reduce carbon emission and energy consumption produced during transportation (Kong et al , 2017). Moreover, the previous research shows that, so far, deconstruction of prefabricated products in demolition process is not a common practice in the building industry, which can promote the closed-loop material cycle (Jaillon and Poon, 2014; Jaillon et al , 2009).…”