Layout Optimization Model for the Production Planning of Precast Concrete Building Components

Dong Wang, Guiwen Liu, Kaijian Li, Tongjing Wang, Asheem Shrestha, Igor Martek and Xiaobo Tao
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Dong Wang: School of Construction Management and Real Estate, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
Guiwen Liu: School of Construction Management and Real Estate, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
Kaijian Li: School of Construction Management and Real Estate, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
Tongjing Wang: Key Laboratory of Road and Traffic Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Tongji University, Shanghai 20092, China
Asheem Shrestha: School of Architecture and Construction Management, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
Igor Martek: School of Architecture and Construction Management, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
Xiaobo Tao: School of Economics and Management, North China University of Technology, Beijing 100144, China

Sustainability, 2018, vol. 10, issue 6, 1-16

Abstract: Precast concrete comprises the basic components of modular buildings. The efficiency of precast concrete building component production directly impacts the construction time and cost. In the processes of precast component production, mold setting has a significant influence on the production efficiency and cost, as well as reducing the resource consumption. However, the development of mold setting plans is left to the experience of production staff, with outcomes dependent on the quality of human skill and experience available. This can result in sub-optimal production efficiencies and resource wastage. Accordingly, in order to improve the efficiency of precast component production, this paper proposes an optimization model able to maximize the average utilization rate of pallets used during the molding process. The constraints considered were the order demand, the size of the pallet, layout methods, and the positional relationship of components. A heuristic algorithm was used to identify optimization solutions provided by the model. Through empirical analysis, and as exemplified in the case study, this research is significant in offering a prefabrication production planning model which improves pallet utilization rates, shortens component production time, reduces production costs, and improves the resource utilization. The results clearly demonstrate that the proposed method can facilitate the precast production plan providing strong practical implications for production planners.

Keywords: precast production; molding process; optimization model; quantitative methods (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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