Site layout and construction planning

The current usage of site layout information in construction planning techniques is investigated, and the layout development methods used in other fields such as Architecture and Production engineering are also reviewed. The limitations, applicability and potential of these models is discussed. The layout of a construction site affects the manner in which construction plans are formed. This research is an attempt to isolate the site layout factors which are taken into account in the planning stages of a project. The layout of a construction site may be utilised in the formation of construction plans in two ways. Firstly, the large scale layout of the structures may influence the order in which the structures are built. Secondly, the small scale layout of the work within each individual structure will determine the order in which that work will be carried out. A model has been developed which uses the two types of site layout information for the structure and activity sequencing in the production of construction plans on a micro-computer. The practicality and performance of this model has been tested by comparison of the plans produced with those produced with other planning methods and those produced in industry. The feasibility of the integration of this model with Computer-aided design packages has been discussed with a view to producing construction plans automatically from the contract drawings