Resource allocation for concrete batch plant operation: Case study

Zayed, T M and Minkarah, I (2004) Resource allocation for concrete batch plant operation: Case study. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 130(4), pp. 560-569. ISSN 0733-9364

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.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: case studies; concrete; linear programming; manufacturing facilities; optimization; profits; resource allocation; resource management
Index terms: linear programming, revenue, sensitivity analysis, ready mixed concrete, onsite, resource allocation, profit, case study, concrete construction, resource management
Subjects: economic analysis, environmental hazards, data collection methods, algorithms, materials science, building construction, resource management, control systems
Topics: Sustainability, Engineering Principles, Site Management, Construction Technology, Project Management, Digital Applications, Business Strategy, Research Practice
Descriptive scope: 4 PCEA

N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here