Using Genetic Algorithms for Optimizing and Modelling Time, Cost and Quality Trade Offs of Construction Projects

Abstract

The well-known “iron triangle” and its attributes, time, cost and quality has still importance as a framework of basic objectives of construction projects. In practice, construction project managers can optimise time and costs with the well-known time/cost trade-off approach, but quality optimization versus cost and time performances in construction project is usually pursued in a rather intuitive manner based upon Project Manager’s experience. The research behind this paper is proposing a specific approach where three possible estimates for time, cost and quality form starting points for the optimisation of project performance. The estimates are based on characteristic of alternative technical solutions such as possible commercial products to be used or assembled. The effectiveness of various combinations is evaluated with an optimisation procedure based upon Genetic Algorithms. A simple pilot study of a renovation project of two residential apartment is presented to test the proposed approach. The gained results are demonstrating the possibilities of genetic algorithms for such trade off analyses.