Analytical Methods in Transportation: Planning a Grading Operation for Least Total Cost

The mathematical theory of linear programming is used in the determination of which items of earthmoving equipment in any selected contractor's equipment spread should be used in what combinations when, where, and for what lengths of time, so that the grading operation can be performed on any selected project for least total cost. A hypothetical small-scale grading project is used to explain and exemplify the formulations required for including in the model the earthwork quantity, equipment combinations, available equipment times, capital restriction, and project completion time. Solutions are obtained for this project and these solutions are interpreted within the economic criterion of total cost. This linear programming model is evaluated and possible extensions for certain actual cases are noted.