Construction Logistics Optimization for Complex Urban Development and Infrastructure Projects Under Saudi Vision 2030

The importance of construction logistics in the delivery of dense urban developments, linear infrastructure, and the range of giga-projects outlined in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has been growing, since in these cases compressed timeframes, limited site areas, the need to import materials, the extreme climate conditions, and the fact that several projects are going on at the same time result in a number of closely linked logistics risks. This review gathers together evidence from peer-reviewed sources on urban construction logistics, construction supply-chain management, consolidation centres, Building Information Modelling (BIM), digital twins, off-site construction, resilience, transport decarbonisation and circular flows. The present paper employs an integrative review approach in order to compare different mechanisms, rather than combining incompatible effect sizes. The evidence shows that logistics performance improves as we move upstream from site expediting to coordinated demand planning, time-slot control, consolidation, visualised 4D logistics and data-led exception management. However, no single technology overcomes the problem of fragmented incentives: consolidation may shift costs between the various parties involved, internet platforms require a high degree of data discipline and interoperability, and just-in-time strategies may reduce storage but at the same time raise vulnerability to unreliable transport. The most credible optimisation model for achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 is therefore a multi-level system which includes common performance indicators covering strategic network design, tactical procurement and consolidation, and operational dispatch. The paper suggests a framework that is sensitive to the particular context and which focuses on logistics governance, digital visibility, resilient sourcing, low-emission transport, and reverse logistics. The areas that demand further research include freight data specific to Saudi Arabia, models for co-ordinating multiple projects, climate-aware routing, the fair distribution of logistics costs, and the long-term validation of control methods enabled by digital twins. The synthesis redefines construction logistics not as a mere support function at the site level but as a production system at the programme level, and the optimisation of which can ensure schedule reliability, urban mobility, carbon performance, and stakeholder value.