Simulation-Driven Optimization of Construction Site Layout and Schedule for Enhanced Productivity and Reduced Costs

Construction site layout plays a crucial role in the efficient execution of construction projects. A well-planned site layout can minimize material handling, labor movement, and equipment relocation, leading to improved productivity, reduced costs, minimized project time, and enhanced safety. However, traditional site layout planning methods often fail to consider the dynamic nature of construction projects and the interactions between different resources, such as material storage areas, workspaces, and equipment maneuvering as it does not integrate with the project schedule. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a simulation-based framework that integrates and optimizes construction schedule planning with site layout. The framework utilizes a simulation model that captures the interactions between different resources and their impact on construction activities. The simulation model is then used to evaluate different site layout configurations and identify the layout that minimizes construction time and costs. To validate the proposed framework, a case study of a medium-sized residential construction project is presented. The case study demonstrates that the simulation-based optimization approach can significantly reduce construction time and costs compared to traditional site layout planning methods. The findings of this paper have significant implications on the construction industry, as they provide a practical approach to optimizing site layout and improving construction project performance.