Conceptual model for aligning construction logistics capacity through simulation

The flows of materials arriving at, and waste moving out of a site, require detailed planning for smooth logistic processes. This is underscored by the temporal and spatial limitations around sites, characterized as a pure bottleneck. This paper proposes a conceptual data framework for developing digital twins for logistics capacity planning in construction to align the capacities for (i) incoming materials, (ii) on-site material handling, and (iii) material dispatching from the site. The framework is tested based on quantitative mapping of transport arriving, departures, and movements on-site, from two real-world planned projects. This mapping is then used for testing construction site layout planning (CSLP) scenarios of capacity dimensions through simulations. Ultimately, this paper proposes a first step to integrate transport plans in CSLP. Practitioners can use the model for planning sites for smooth material flows and properly dimensioning loading and unloading area capacities to avoid bottlenecks in logistic operations. • Improving logistics capacity planning by integrating transport plans in CSLP. • Capacities of incoming, outgoing and on-site material flows were conceptually modeled. • Model is based on quantitative mapping of CSLP using simulation models site transports. • Simulations are used for aligning construction material and waste flows. • Conceptual data framework for digital twins in logistics capacity planning.