Decision support for tower crane selection with building information models and genetic algorithms

•Investigated the use of BIM and genetic algorithms for safe selection of tower cranes•Presented decision making model for selecting desirable types of tower cranes•Determined optimum number of tower cranes and their locations•Conducted 4D simulation of tower crane operations to detect potential spatial conflicts and clashes

Tower cranes are major construction equipment that is highly demanded in construction projects. The planning process for tower cranes utilization starts in early stages of the construction projects. Poor selection could incur extra costs on the construction projects or cause delays in project duration. The planning procedures for tower cranes include selection, allocation and operation. This paper presents a framework for the selection of tower cranes types and locations at construction sites. The framework considers three main models: 1) decision making model to select the tower crane type, 2) optimization model for the selection of the ideal number and location of tower cranes, and 3) 4D simulation model to simulate tower crane operations. Several clash detection scenarios are presented to assure the safety operation of the tower crane group. A case study is shown herein to demonstrate the capabilities of the developed framework.