ArcSite: Enhanced GIS for Construction Site Layout

Abstract

This study develops an automated site layout system for construction temporary facilities (TFs). The system, ArcSite, including a geographic information system (GIS) integrated with database management systems (DBMSs) is a new tool to assist designers in identifying suitable areas to locate TFs. ArcSite consists of knowledge specific to construction site layout, TF databases, Arc/Info databases, and algorithms for integrating and automating TF layout design. The system proposes a method, the knowledge acquisition form, to systematically acquire and interpret experts' knowledge and experience in site planning. Using the concept of searching by elimination, the system develops a heuristic approach to model the process of human decision-making and generate the potential sites for each TF. Through both qualitative and quantitative modeling of facility relationships, an objective function called proximity index is developed to determine the optimal site of each TF. ArcSite demonstrates that GIS is a promising tool for solving construction layout problems and, thus, opens up a new way of thinking in the management of spatial information for construction planning and design.