Optimizing travel distance of construction workers considering their behavioral uncertainty using fuzzy graph theory

Travel distance-mostly used in safety and cost objective functionsis the main parameter optimized in construction site layout planning (CSLP) as an optimization problem. While normal CSLP processes assume that every movement at a construction site goes through the particular paths they have assigned, this article presents an innovative method to consider worker behavioral uncertainty (WBU) in whether and how workers follow or deviate from the given paths. In this research, fuzzy graph theory (FGT) helps CSLP consider WBU and shows improved efficiency compared to conventional approaches. The new approach is illustrated in a case study project. The results are affected by WBU in terms of transportation costs and safety risks, but they are still within the range consistent with the literature. Considering WBU through the algorithm presented in this article makes the assumed travel paths more realistic and, thus, CSLP more efficient.