Optimal construction site layout based on risk spatial variability

Geographic information system (GIS) is useful in visualizing the spatial variability of the risk within the site. It integrates the potential total impact of the facilities with the space configuration mean depth results. For illustration purposes, the methodology is employed in a case study consisting of several facilities acting as hazardous sources and potential targets in a 2D layout. The risk optimization considers the level of hazards at each source object, hazard attenuation and adopts conditional values for the vulnerability of the target objects. A differential evolution algorithm is adopted to minimize the global risk within the site. The results showed that the proposed methodology is efficient, due to its capability of generating site layout with safer work environment. This in turn leads to minimize work accidents, serious injuries and victims. In addition, the model is capable of highlighting the highest risk areas within a construction site.