Reducing noise pollution by planning construction site layout via a multi-objective optimization model

Noise pollution from construction activities is a major factor jeopardizing occupational health as well as human living environments. However, previous research mainly focused on reducing noise pollution surrounding sensitive buildings off site rather than for on-site workers. Moreover, currently available noise mitigating methods tend to be passive and accompanied by significant additional expenditures. As the location of facilities is a critical factor of noise pollution, this study attempts to analyze how noise pollution for workers can be reduced by optimizing construction site layout planning in the pre construction stage. Considering that mitigating noise by optimizing site layout may generate negative impacts on safety and cost, the desired site layout should establish a balance among noise reduction, safety improvement and cost control. Therefore, functions addressing potential safety risk and transportation cost arising from interactions between onsite facilities are designed. For solving this multi objective optimization problem, a hybrid genetic algorithm-ant colony optimization model is applied to obtain trade-off solutions. Feasibility and effectiveness of the optimization model is verified by a case study on a residential building project. This study incorporates noise pollution reduction into site layout optimization problems in the pre-construction stage without additional expenditure and in safe manners. It aids future researchers in improving construction sustainability from as early as the planning stage. It also helps site managers enhance on-site sustainability incorporating environmental protection, economic efficiency and occupational safety together. The proposed research framework can be used as a reference to balance conflicting sustainability objectives in other industrial layout facilities as well. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.