Scheduling optimization model for linear projects with resource transfer in diverse construction scenarios

Studies on linear engineering projects often overlook complex construction scenarios, neglecting global resource quantities, transfer time and cost during resource deliberation. This study addresses these gaps by employing a linear scheduling method and a multi-mode resource-constrained project model. The decision variables of the model include the construction mode, construction direction, activity priority and global resource amounts, considering linear, bar and block construction scenarios. A hybrid algorithm combining the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-III with differential evolution is proposed for model resolution, featuring hierarchical, multi-strategy, adaptive crossover and mutation operators. Sensitivity analysis and case studies demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the model and algorithm. According to the study, the unit cost of resource transfer significantly influences the optimization result more than the unit time; the optimizing cost has an upper bound; and linear projects scheduling optimization with resource transfer are more realistic and provide a better trade-off between time and cost.