Multi-Objective Resource-Constrained Scheduling in Large and Repetitive Construction Projects

Effective resource management constitutes a cornerstone of construction project success. This is a challenging combinatorial optimization problem with multiple and contradictory objectives whose complexity rises disproportionally with the project size and special characteristics (e.g., repetitive projects). While relevant work exists, there is still a need for thorough modeling of the practical implications of non-optimal decisions. This study proposes a multi-objective model, which can realistically represent the actual loss from not meeting the resource utilization priorities and constraints of a given project, including parameters that assess the cost of exceeding the daily resource availability, the cost of moving resources in and out of the worksite, and the cost of delaying the project completion. Optimization is performed using Genetic Algorithms, with problem setups organized in a spreadsheet format for enhanced readability and the solving is conducted via commercial software. A case study consisting of 16 repetitive projects, totaling 160 activities, tested under different objective and constraint scenarios is used to evaluate the algorithm effectiveness in different project management priorities. The main study conclusions emphasize the importance of conducting multiple analyses for effective decision-making, the increasing necessity for formal optimization as a project’s size and complexity increase, and the significant support that formal optimization provides in customizing resource allocation decisions in construction projects.