Optimizing Prefabricated Supply- Schedule Synchronization for Cold-Region Residential Retrofits

Abstract

This paper investigates the coordinated optimization of prefabricated component supply and on-site construction scheduling for the retrofit of aging residential compounds in severe cold regions. The study frames the retrofit workflow as a coupled supply–schedule system subject to winter constraints such as frozen ground, prolonged curing time of concrete, limited laydown areas, and intermittent logistics caused by snow and ice. Building on supply chain management principles, critical path scheduling, and digital site control, the paper proposes a just-in-time, batch-release supply policy synchronized with an adaptive construction sequence. The approach integrates weather-aware planning rules, buffer design for transport disruptions, and an intelligent dispatch mechanism that updates priorities using real-time signals from equipment, inventory, and meteorological feeds. The proposed framework aims to reduce idle inventory on site, prevent process clashes among lifting, casting, and fit-out tasks, and preserve quality under low-temperature conditions. Expected benefits include shorter effective project duration, lower handling and heating costs, improved utilization of cranes and crews, and enhanced robustness against weather volatility. The paper concludes with implementation guidelines, policy implications for cold-region urban regeneration, and a road map for validating the method with digital twins and field pilots in multiple cities. These validation efforts are crucial for bridging the gap between theoretical models and practical implementation in this understudied context.