Solution to balance schedule and cost of prefabricated townhouses using optimization model and decision theory

Abstract

Assembled townhouses, built from prefabricated components, combine the benefits of fast construction with the aesthetic appeal of traditional designs. Achieving an optimal balance between project schedule and cost is crucial for efficient off-site construction. This research presents a hybrid model that integrates Multi-Objective Differential Evolution (MODE) with Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) to optimize the trade-off between time and cost in prefabricated townhouse projects. Real-world case studies were utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Results show that the model effectively generates Pareto-optimal solutions, providing project managers with a reliable framework for selecting the most suitable implementation schedules.