Optimization of Earthmoving Operations in Heavy Civil Engineering Projects
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 135, Issue 10
Abstract
Large scale earthmoving operations require the use of heavy and costly construction equipment. Optimum utilization of equipment is a crucial task for the project management team. It can result in substantial savings in both time and cost of earthmoving operations. This paper presents optimization model for earthmoving operations in heavy civil engineering projects. The developed model is designed to assist general contractor in optimizing planning of earthmoving operations. The model utilizes genetic algorithm, linear programming, and geographic information systems to support its management functions. The model assists in planning earthmoving operations; taking into consideration: (1) availability of resources to contractors; (2) project budget and/or time constraints, if any; (3) scope of work; (4) construction site conditions; (5) soil type; (6) project indirect cost; and (7) equipment characteristics. The model also determines the quantities of earth to be moved from different borrow pits and those to be placed at different landfill sites to meet optimization objective set by the user and to meet project constraints. The model has been implemented in prototype software, using object-oriented programming. Two numerical example projects are presented to validate and demonstrate the use of the developed model in optimizing earthmoving operations.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 135 • Issue 10 • October 2009
Pages: 948 - 954
Copyright
© 2009 ASCE.
History
Received: Apr 27, 2007
Accepted: Jun 25, 2009
Published online: Sep 15, 2009
Published in print: Oct 2009
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