Optimizing the Schedule of Dispatching Earthmoving Trucks through Genetic Algorithms and Simulation
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 26, Issue 2
Abstract
Most construction projects involve earthmoving operations. Careful management of trucks to perform these operations is considered crucial by earthwork contractors in Taiwan. A mechanism is described that optimizes the management of the truck fleets of earthwork contractors. The proposed model integrates a discrete event simulation technique and genetic algorithms (GAs) to minimize the duration of earthmoving operations. The discrete simulation model is applied to simulate earthmoving operations and generate schedules for dispatching various trucks, and the GAs are used as a filter to screen out schedules that require long trips. Examples prove that the proposed model can determine near-optimal solutions efficiently. In addition, a user-friendly computer program is developed so that earthwork contractors can plan the dispatch schedule of earthmoving trucks easily and effectively.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 26 • Issue 2 • April 2012
Pages: 203 - 211
Copyright
© 2012. American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Sep 29, 2010
Accepted: Feb 23, 2011
Published online: Feb 25, 2011
Published in print: Apr 1, 2012
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