Multiple Modular Building Construction Project Scheduling Using Genetic Algorithms

Abstract

Modular construction offers several advantages, such as safe working conditions, fast construction, and high-quality end products. The project scheduling of modular construction should consider the time involved in the factory production, transportation, and erection processes of the units given limited resources (e.g., the number of modular units, available transportation, and workers) and project restrictions (e.g., the sequences of manufacturing production and on-site installation). However, current modular construction project scheduling techniques and previous academic approaches cannot deal with the overall project processes and production/on-site installation sequences simultaneously. This is one reason few mass-production multiple projects exist in the manufacturing industry. Moreover, it can lead to inappropriate project management guidelines and fail to minimize the overall project duration. This paper suggests a model for modular construction projects scheduling using a genetic algorithm. The results show that implementing both overall project processes and project requirements is an efficient way to develop a modular construction project schedule. The proposed optimization tool will help project managers allocate resources efficiently and reduce the completion time of multiple projects.