Site Layout Optimization and it’s Impact on the Cost of Construction Projects by invasive weeds optimization algorithm

Dynamic site layout is identifying the optimum location for temporary equipment, materials, and other available tools and offices at construction sites. The Site layout is classified as a dynamic problem because the necessary equipment is changed continuously during the project lifetime. Some research investigated this issue in recent years and tried to develop various algorithm to solve such problem due to its complexity. In this study, a linear programming model is proposed to minimize total transportation cost among different parts, relocation cost for moveable facility, and transportation cost between warehouse and other parts. An invasive weed optimization algorithm is developed to solve large scale problems. Computational results show that different layout is obtained based on priorities considered for each parts so that their layout can be changed if priority is varied. To validate the proposed algorithm, its results for small scale problem is compared with results obtained from solving it in GAMS software. Results obtained from proposed algorithm for small problem reveal that they are so close to obtained from exact method. Furthermore, scenarios analysis indicates that the proposed meta heuristic algorithm is outperformed, thus the proposed IWO algorithm can be applied for solving large scale problem in real world.