Optimising transport-logistics schemes and the supply of construction sites to shorten the construction timelines of high-speed rail lines

Abstract

The study addresses the optimisation of transport–logistics schemes and the supply of construction sites to shorten the timelines for building high-speed rail lines, where the key challenge stems from the linear, longitudinal nature of works and the schedule’s high sensitivity to supply disruptions; the aim is to provide a theoretical justification and a quantitative assessment of the effect of integrating simulation modelling, BIM and IoT into a single digital ecosystem for logistics management. Methodologically, the work rests on a systematic review of the literature and the construction of a simulation model of an HSR section, comparing the traditional approach (static routes, manual demand calculations, visual control) with an integrated model (dynamic route optimisation, BIM-oriented procurement, IoT asset monitoring) across a set of KPIs covering transport, procurement, the last mile, and aggregate project indicators. The results indicate a substantial improvement in predictability and efficiency: average travel time decreases by 14,07%, unproductive delays due to congestion by 93.12%, fuel consumption by 8,40%, and transport costs by 14,68%; order accuracy within the BIM loop rises to an almost error-free level (a 96,91% reduction in errors), which reduces material waste by 96,92% and spending on emergency replenishment and idle time by 97,25%; on site, IoT cuts the time spent locating resources by 94,32%, losses from theft and damage by 86,67%, and the cost of non-productive losses by 90,63%. The aggregate effect is reflected in a reduction of average stage deviations from +18,75% to +2,15% (-88,53%), a decrease in the share of logistics costs in the budget from 22,40% to 15,12% (-7.28 pp), a 16,55% shortening of the mandated construction deadline, and a 9,88% budget saving. The discussion confirms that the critical factor is not the isolated application of technologies but their synergy within a single loop, shifting management from a reactive to a proactive mode; limitations are noted (cybersecurity, staff training, organisational resistance), and phased implementation is recommended as a new industry standard for linear infrastructure.