Optimization Model for Earth-Rock Allocation System in Large-Scale Hydraulic Engineering and Application in Shuibuya Project
Much importance is attached to the earth-rock allocation problem in the construction of many large-scale hydraulic engineering. Based on systemic view, the paper analyses the composition of the system and mutual relations among the elements. According to the analysis work, a linear programming model is constituted to optimize the operation of earth-rock allocation system to minimize the cost of the system. And the optimization model is put into operation in Shuibuya project in China. The calculating results by the model are economical and feasible in project construction
Further development of integer programming in earthwork optimization
The objective of existing linear programming methods of earthwork-system optimization in road construction has been either minimizing the cost or maximizing profit, generally without considering the project duration. This paper develops a linear programming model incorporating the project duration. The model attempts to optimize a comprehensive earthmoving system in road construction by comparing alternative fleets (from available fleets) to provide an optimum material distribution and appropriate plant fleets to complete a project within the specified time. The situations where different degrees of compaction, availability of various soil strata at cut sections and borrow pits, and selection of borrow/disposal sites are also incorporated. Among the possible extensions, equipment sharing between fleets and sequence of operations present at cut and fill sections are examined. The validity of the model is demonstrated by applying it to a numerical example, providing additional tools to the management such as the minimum project-completion time, the cheapest project cost and corresponding duration achievable with available resources.
Using Fuzzy-Delphi technique to determine the concession period in BOT projects
BOT projects are affected by several risks and uncertainties. One of the most important issues in this type of contract is to determine the length of concession period considering these uncertainties. The previous studies have developed several models to determine the concession period. However, the uncertainties are not taking into account in most of the previous works. Moreover, none of the previous researches has the capability to aggregate the opinions of different experts being involved in a project regarding the values of the uncertain input parameters. In this research, a Fuzzy-Delphi technique is implemented to determine the length of concession period considering uncertainties. Using the proposed Fuzzy-Delphi technique, the values of different uncertain factors affecting a BOT project is determined considering opinions of a group of experts. The NPV value is calculated considering the resulted aggregated values of uncertain input parameters. Finally, the concession period is determined using fuzzy approach. A case study is conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed methodology. It is shown that the concession period is determined more effectively using the proposed approach.