Moselhi, O and Alshibani, A (2009) Optimization of earthmoving operations in heavy civil engineering projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 135(10), pp. 948-954. ISSN 0733-9364
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.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | computer programming; earthmoving; geographic information systems; optimization |
| Index terms: | general contractor, linear programming, project management team, prototype, savings, landfill, earthmoving, construction equipment, geographic information system, construction site, programming, project constraint, genetic algorithm, indirect cost |
| Subjects: | programming, cost management, practitioner, work location, construction equipment, modelling and simulation, waste management, control systems, geographical techniques and analysis, construction operations, profession, algorithms, economic analysis |
| Topics: | Roles and Professions, Site Management, Project Management, Procurement, Engineering Principles, Digital Applications, Business Strategy, Sustainability, Plant and Equipment, Geographical Context |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCA |
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