Resource Allocation for Concrete Batch Plant Operation: Case Study
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 130, Issue 4
Abstract
A concrete batch plant is an important element in any concrete construction process, whether it is working as a central mixing plant onsite or is offsite supplying ready mixed concrete to a project. This study tackles the problem of optimizing plant production to maximize profit and, if possible, revenue. A linear programming model has been designed to optimize the plant operation. The maximum production rate for each type of concrete can be obtained by solving the model under the given constraints. A sensitivity analysis is conducted to provide management with a flexible range of prices per cubic yard (cubic meter) and material storage limits. In addition, a model has been designed to determine the optimal number of transit mixers based upon the required quantity of concrete. A chart has been developed to determine the quantities of concrete ingredient materials required daily to organize the available storage space and to plan their delivery.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 130 • Issue 4 • August 2004
Pages: 560 - 569
Copyright
Copyright © 2004 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 20, 2002
Accepted: May 6, 2003
Published online: Jul 15, 2004
Published in print: Aug 2004
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