Scheduling Optimization of Prefabricated Construction Projects by Genetic Algorithm

Abstract

Prefabricated buildings are the direction of the future development of the construction industry and have received widespread attention. The effective execution of prefabricated construction project scheduling should consider resource constraints and the supply arrangement of prefabricated components. However, the traditional construction resource-constrained project scheduling implementation method cannot simultaneously consider the characteristics of the linkage between component production and on-site assembly construction. It cannot also fully adapt to the scheduling implementation method of the prefabricated construction projects. It is difficult to work out a reasonable project schedule and resource allocation table. In order to determine the relevant schedule parameters that can reflect the actual construction situation of the prefabricated building and meet the scheduling requirements of the prefabricated project, this study proposes a prefabricated construction project scheduling model that considers project resource constraints and prefabricated component supply constraints. Additionally, it improves the design of traditional genetic algorithms (GAs). Research results of the experimental calculation and engineering application show that the proposed project scheduling optimization model and GA are effective and practical, which can help project managers in effectively formulating prefabricated construction project scheduling plans, reasonably allocating resources, reducing completion time, and improving project performance.

Comparison of Heuristic Priority Rules in the Solution of the Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling Problem

“…The main disadvantage is that the user may not always obtain the optimum solution. Since the early 1990s, genetic algorithms have been extensively used for solving RCPS problems (GA) [3,[12][13][14]. Other meta-heuristic methods such as tabu-search [15], simulated annealing [16], ant colony algorithm [17] and the artificial bee colony with differential evolution [18] were applied.…”

“…One of the outcomes of RCPS is activity start and finish times that conform to precedence relationships and satisfy resource constraints. RCPS techniques were used in various fields such as prefabricated construction [3], optimizing 2 of 16 time, cost and energy consumption [4], improving sustainability in construction [5], and financial optimization [6].…”

Cost Early-Warning Model System of Large-Scale Construction Project

“…Besides, it has its own uniqueness: (1) large investment in construction projects, (2) long construction plan period, (3) more uncertain factors and risks, (4) large number of participants, etc. [ 6 , 7 ].…”

Research on extremely short construction period of engineering project based on labor balance under resource tolerance

“…Liu et al [ 18 ] considered the factors of the material supply, cost constraints and various labor modes, established a model with the minimum construction project duration as the primary goal, and effectively solved the abovementioned problem. Xie et al [ 19 ] focused on the constraints of the prefabricated component supply for prefabricated buildings, conducted in-depth research on the corresponding scheduling problem, effectively and reasonably distributed resources and reduced the completion time.…”