The constructs of site layout modeling: an overview

Abstract

The efficient planning of site space through the course of a construction project is referred to as site layout planning. Due to its impact on safety, productivity and security on construction sites, several site layout planning models have been developed in the past decades. These models have the common aim of generating best layouts considering the defined constraints and conditions. However, the underlying assumptions that were made during the development of these models seem disparate and often implicit. This study provides an overview of the existing models and aims to draw a holistic view of variables that have been considered at different levels of detail and using different approaches in the site layout literature. Through close examination and comparative analysis of existing models, this study identifies the components that need to be considered for site layout modeling, referred to as constructs. Possible approaches that can be used to realize each construct are presented, and the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches are discussed. It is hoped that this study contributes to a better understanding of site layout modeling, and provide an outline for the development of new site layout planning models.