Repertory grid technique in the development of Tacit-based Decision Support System (TDSS) for sustainable site layout planning

Site layout planning is a significant but relatively ignored work on construction site, which has been treated improperly as somewhat routine. It is known that the complex interrelationship of material, equipment, laborers, space, environment, assess road, surrounding buildings, and building types affect the productivity and efficiency of a construction process. This complexity was inhibiting the smooth flow of resources especially when many trade contractors were working simultaneously on site. The study aimed to extract a set of core factors in site planning focusing on the tacit knowledge acquisition process to develop a Tacit-based Decision Support System (TDSS). A combination of the repertory grid technique and open-structured interviews was conducted for the tacit knowledge acquisition process. Cluster analysis and repertory grid analysis on the extensive responses from a structured interview were conducted. A computer program entitled “TDSS” was developed as a flexible tool to assist both senior and junior site layout planning engineers.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights► We develop a Tacit-based Decision Support System (TDSS) for construction layout plan. ► Repertory grid technique was employed for the tacit knowledge acquisition process. ► Repertory grid technique is a psychology tool. ► TDSS is a flexible tool to assist site layout planning engineers.