Development of scheduling model for earth work using genetic algorithm

Abstract

Due to the large sizes and repetitive processes of an Earthwork operation, it is important to acquire an efficient plan starting from the early stages of operation. In order to have an efficient earthwork plan, the minimization of the earthmoving distance and the optimization of the required equipment must be included in the model. This study develops a planning model for earth work and considers them comprehensively. First, the optimized route is chosen in the form of the vector diagram by the developed software POEM while the possible equipment combinations are found by Web-Cyclone's sensitivity analysis. Then, the data of the optimized route and the possible combinations are input to the proposed planning model for earth work. Genetic Algorithm is used to develop the model since the size of the search space is exponentially growing. The model gives a viable schedule and the field engineer can utilize the schedule to manage the earthwork operation with more efficiency.