Optimal logistics planning for modular construction using two-stage stochastic programming
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Published version
Author(s)
Hsu, Pei-Yuan
Panagiotis, Angeloudis
Aurisicchio, M
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The construction sector is currently undergoing a shift from stick-built construction to modular building systems that take advantage of modern prefabrication techniques. Long established in-situ construction practices are thus being replaced by processes imported from the manufacturing sector, where component fabrication takes place within a factory environment. As a result of this transformation, current construction supply chains, which have focused on the delivery of raw materials to sites, are no longer apt and need to make way to new, strengthened, and time-critical logistics systems. The aim of this study is to establish a mathematical model for the optimisation of logistics processes in modular construction covering three tiers of operation: manufacturing, storage and assembly. Previous studies have indicated that construction site delays constitute the largest cause of schedule deviations. Using the model outlined in this paper we seek to determine how factory manufacturing and inventory management should react to variations in the demand on construction sites. A two-stage stochastic programming model is developed to capture all possible demand variations on site. The model is evaluated using a case study from the residential construction sector. The application shows that the model is effective and can serve as decision support to optimise modular construction logistics.
Date Issued
2018-10-01
Date Acceptance
2018-05-30
Citation
Automation in Construction, 2018, 94, pp.47-61
ISSN
0926-5805
Publisher
Elsevier
Start Page
47
End Page
61
Journal / Book Title
Automation in Construction
Volume
94
Copyright Statement
© 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/BY/4.0/)
Sponsor
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
Grant Number
EP/L504683/1
Subjects
09 Engineering
12 Built Environment And Design
Building & Construction
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2018-06-14