Engineering

Microeconomics

Linear programming

Economics

Civil engineering

Computer science

Mathematical optimization

Integer (computer science)

Integer programming

Material handling

Operations research

Mathematics

Industrial engineering

Geometry

Tower

Point (geometry)

Programming language

Total cost

Reduction (mathematics)

Engineering Construction & Architectural Management

Purpose The site layout has a significant impact on the efficiency of construction operations. Planning an effective site layout partly involves identifying and positioning temporary facilities such as tower cranes and areas on the jobsite for materials storage. This study proposes an approach to optimizing the type and location of the tower crane and material supply point on construction sites. Design/methodology/approach The problem is formulated into an integer linear programming (ILP) model considering the total cost of material transportation as the objective function and site conditions as constraints. The efficacy of the approach is demonstrated by finding the optimum site layout for a numerical example. The proposed model is validated and verified using two methods. Findings Results indicate that the proposed model successfully identifies the type and location of the tower crane and the location of material supply point, leading to approximately 20% cost reduction compared with when such features of a site layout are decided solely based on experience and educated guesses of the construction manager. Originality/value The primary contribution of this study is to present a modified linear mathematical model for site layout optimization that exhibits improved performance compared with previous models. The type and location of the tower crane and the material supply point as decision variables are extracted directly from solving the proposed model. The proposed model will help enhance time and cost efficiency on construction sites.

Decision support system for tower crane location and material supply point in construction sites using an integer linear programming model