Hybrid metaheuristic to solve the “one-to-many-to-one” problem

2017 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 136-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jalel Euchi ◽  
Sana Frifita
Keyword(s):  
Local Search ◽  
Optimization Problems ◽  
Soft Drink ◽  
Hybrid Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Real Case ◽  
Solution Quality ◽  
Routing Problem ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Delivery Problem ◽  
Combinatorial Optimization Problems

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a specific variant of vehicle routing problem with simultaneous full pickup and delivery problem (VRPSFPD) known as one-to-many-to-one (1-M-1) problem with several vehicles, where every customer can receive and send goods simultaneously, which has added the notion of the totality for the pickup goods. Currently, hybrid metaheuristics have become more popular because they offer the best solutions to several combinatorial optimization problems. Therefore, due to the complexity of 1-M-1 a hybrid genetic algorithm with variable neighborhood descent (HGAVND) local search is proposed. To improve the solution provided by the HGAVND the authors suggest applying a structure OR-Opt. To test the performance of the algorithm the authors have used a set of benchmarks from the literature and apply the HGAVND algorithm to solve the real case of distribution of soft drink in Tunisia. The experimental results indicate that the algorithm can outperform all other algorithms proposed in literature with regard to solution quality and processing time. Moreover, the authors improve the best known solution of the majority of benchmark instances taken from the literature. Design/methodology/approach Due to the complexity of 1-M-1 a HGAVND local search is proposed. Originality/value First, in the presence of full pickup constraints, the problem becomes more complex, this implies that the choice of a good metaheuristic can provide good results. Second, the best contribution consists in a specific variant of VRPSFPD problem as 1-M-1 which the paper present the first application of metaheuristics to solve the specific 1-M-1 and to apply it in real case of distribution of soft drink.

A self-adaptive bat algorithm for the truck and trailer routing problem

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 108-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Wang ◽  
Shengchuan Zhou ◽  
Yang Gao ◽  
Chao Liu
Keyword(s):  
Optimization Problems ◽  
Bat Algorithm ◽  
Computational Time ◽  
Benchmark Problems ◽  
Solution Quality ◽  
Heuristic Solution ◽  
Routing Problem ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Combinatorial Optimization Problems ◽  
Self Adaptive

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an effective solution method for the truck and trailer routing problem (TTRP) which is one of the important NP-hard combinatorial optimization problems owing to its multiple real-world applications. It is a generalization of the famous vehicle routing problem (VRP), involving a group of geographically scattered customers served by the vehicle fleet including trucks and trailers. Design/methodology/approach The meta-heuristic solution approach based on bat algorithm (BA) in which a local search procedure performed by five different neighborhood structures is developed. Moreover, a self-adaptive (SA) tuning strategy to preserve the swarm diversity is implemented. The effectiveness of the proposed SA-BA is investigated by an experiment conducted on 21 benchmark problems that are well known in the literature. Findings Computational results indicate that the proposed SA-BA algorithm is computationally efficient through comparison with other existing algorithms found from the literature according to solution quality. As for the actual computational time, the SA-BA algorithm outperforms others. However, the scaled computational time of the SA-BA algorithm underperforms the other algorithms. Originality/value In this work the authors show that the proposed SA-BA is effective as a method for the TTRP problem. To the authors’ knowledge, the BA has not been applied previously, as in this work, to solve the TTRP problem.

Effective Memetic Algorithms for VLSI Design = Genetic Algorithms + Local Search + Multi-Level Clustering

2004 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 327-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shawki Areibi ◽  
Zhen Yang
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithms ◽  
Local Search ◽  
Optimization Problems ◽  
Memetic Algorithms ◽  
Vlsi Circuit ◽  
Circuit Partitioning ◽  
Placement Problem ◽  
Solution Quality ◽  
Combinatorial Optimization Problems ◽  
Cell Placement

Combining global and local search is a strategy used by many successful hybrid optimization approaches. Memetic Algorithms (MAs) are Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs) that apply some sort of local search to further improve the fitness of individuals in the population. Memetic Algorithms have been shown to be very effective in solving many hard combinatorial optimization problems. This paper provides a forum for identifying and exploring the key issues that affect the design and application of Memetic Algorithms. The approach combines a hierarchical design technique, Genetic Algorithms, constructive techniques and advanced local search to solve VLSI circuit layout in the form of circuit partitioning and placement. Results obtained indicate that Memetic Algorithms based on local search, clustering and good initial solutions improve solution quality on average by 35% for the VLSI circuit partitioning problem and 54% for the VLSI standard cell placement problem.

scholarly journals A time-predefined approach to course timetabling

2003 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edmund Burke ◽  
Yuri Bykov ◽  
James Newall ◽  
Sanja Petrovic
Keyword(s):  
Local Search ◽  
Optimization Problems ◽  
Search Time ◽  
Test Problems ◽  
Solution Quality ◽  
Course Timetabling ◽  
Combinatorial Optimization Problems ◽  
University Course Timetabling ◽  
High Level

A common weakness of local search metaheuristics, such as Simulated Annealing, in solving combinatorial optimization problems, is the necessity of setting a certain number of parameters. This tends to generate a significant increase in the total amount of time required to solve the problem and often requires a high level of experience from the user. This paper is motivated by the goal of overcoming this drawback by employing "parameter-free" techniques in the context of automatically solving course timetabling problems. We employ local search techniques with "straightforward" parameters, i.e. ones that an inexperienced user can easily understand. In particular, we present an extended variant of the "Great Deluge" algorithm, which requires only two parameters (which can be interpreted as search time and an estimation of the required level of solution quality). These parameters affect the performance of the algorithm so that a longer search provides a better result - as long as we can intelligently stop the approach from converging too early. Hence, a user can choose a balance between processing time and the quality of the solution. The proposed method has been tested on a range of university course timetabling problems and the results were evaluated within an International Timetabling Competition. The effectiveness of the proposed technique has been confirmed by a high level of quality of results. These results represented the third overall average rating among 21 participants and the best solutions on 8 of the 23 test problems. .

A Constraint-Based Local Search for Offline and Online General Vehicle Routing

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (02) ◽  
pp. 1750004
Author(s):  
Quang Dung Pham ◽  
Kim Thu Le ◽  
Hoang Thanh Nguyen ◽  
Van Dinh Pham ◽  
Quoc Trung Bui
Keyword(s):  
Local Search ◽  
Vehicle Routing ◽  
Optimization Problems ◽  
Vehicle Routing Problems ◽  
School Bus ◽  
Routing Problems ◽  
Routing Problem ◽  
Combinatorial Optimization Problems ◽  
Neighborhood Structures ◽  
Covering Tour Problem

Vehicle routing is a class of combinatorial optimization problems arising in the industry of transportation and logistics. The goal of these problems is to compute an optimal route plan for a set of vehicles for serving transport requests of customers. There are many variants of the vehicle routing problems: routing for delivering goods, routing for demand responsive transport (taxi, school bus, …). Each problem might have different constraints, objectives. In this paper, we introduce a Constraint-Based Local Search (CBLS) framework for general offline and online vehicle routing problems. We extend existing neighborhood structures in the literature by proposing new neighborhoods to facilitate the resolution of different class of vehicle routing problems in a unified platform. A novel feature of the framework is the available APIs for online vehicle routing problems where requests arrive online during the execution of the computed route plan. Experimental results on three vehicle routing problems (the min-max capacitated vehicle routing problem, the multi-vehicle covering tour problem, and the online people-andparcel share-a-ride taxis problem) show the modelling flexibility, genericity, extensibility and efficiency of the proposed framework.

scholarly journals Integrated Offline and Online Decision Making under Uncertainty

2021 ◽  
Vol 70 ◽  
pp. 77-117
Author(s):  
Allegra De Filippo ◽  
Michele Lombardi ◽  
Michela Milano
Keyword(s):  
Optimization Problems ◽  
Greedy Heuristic ◽  
Management Problem ◽  
Quality Improvements ◽  
Solution Quality ◽  
Convex Optimization Problem ◽  
Routing Problem ◽  
Multi Stage ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Parametric Convex Optimization

This paper considers multi-stage optimization problems under uncertainty that involve distinct offline and online phases. In particular it addresses the issue of integrating these phases to show how the two are often interrelated in real-world applications. Our methods are applicable under two (fairly general) conditions: 1) the uncertainty is exogenous; 2) it is possible to define a greedy heuristic for the online phase that can be modeled as a parametric convex optimization problem. We start with a baseline composed by a two-stage offline approach paired with the online greedy heuristic. We then propose multiple methods to tighten the offline/online integration, leading to significant quality improvements, at the cost of an increased computation effort either in the offline or the online phase. Overall, our methods provide multiple options to balance the solution quality/time trade-off, suiting a variety of practical application scenarios. To test our methods, we ground our approaches on two real cases studies with both offline and online decisions: an energy management problem with uncertain renewable generation and demand, and a vehicle routing problem with uncertain travel times. The application domains feature respectively continuous and discrete decisions. An extensive analysis of the experimental results shows that indeed offline/online integration may lead to substantial benefits.

Space Contraction and Partition Algorithm for Combinatorial Optimization

2011 ◽  
Vol 421 ◽  
pp. 559-563
Author(s):  
Yong Chao Gao ◽  
Li Mei Liu ◽  
Heng Qian ◽  
Ding Wang
Keyword(s):  
Combinatorial Optimization ◽  
Optimization Problem ◽  
Optimization Problems ◽  
Solution Space ◽  
Search Space ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Optimal Solutions ◽  
Solution Quality ◽  
Intelligent Algorithms ◽  
Combinatorial Optimization Problems

The scale and complexity of search space are important factors deciding the solving difficulty of an optimization problem. The information of solution space may lead searching to optimal solutions. Based on this, an algorithm for combinatorial optimization is proposed. This algorithm makes use of the good solutions found by intelligent algorithms, contracts the search space and partitions it into one or several optimal regions by backbones of combinatorial optimization solutions. And optimization of small-scale problems is carried out in optimal regions. Statistical analysis is not necessary before or through the solving process in this algorithm, and solution information is used to estimate the landscape of search space, which enhances the speed of solving and solution quality. The algorithm breaks a new path for solving combinatorial optimization problems, and the results of experiments also testify its efficiency.

A New Multi-Criteria Solving Procedure for Multi-Depot FSM-VRP with Time Window

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lahcene Guezouli ◽  
Samir Abdelhamid
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Combinatorial Optimization ◽  
Vehicle Routing Problem ◽  
Processing Time ◽  
Optimization Problems ◽  
Time Window ◽  
Routing Problem ◽  
Combinatorial Optimization Problems ◽  
Acceptable Quality ◽  
Capacitated Vehicle

One of the most important combinatorial optimization problems is the transport problem, which has been associated with many variants such as the HVRP and dynamic problem. The authors propose in this study a decision support system which aims to optimize the classical Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem by considering the existence of different vehicle types (with distinct capacities and costs) and multiple available depots, that the authors call the Multi-Depot HVRPTW by respecting a set of criteria including: schedules requests from clients, the heterogeneous capacity of vehicles..., and the authors solve this problem by proposing a new scheme based on a genetic algorithm heuristics that they will specify later. Computational experiments with the benchmark test instances confirm that their approach produces acceptable quality solutions compared with previous results in similar problems in terms of generated solutions and processing time. Experimental results prove that the method of genetic algorithm heuristics is effective in solving the MDHVRPTW problem and hence has a great potential.

Efficient Golden-Ball Algorithm Based Clustering to solve the Multi-Depot VRP With Time Windows

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lahcene Guezouli ◽  
Mohamed Bensakhria ◽  
Samir Abdelhamid
Keyword(s):  
Vehicle Routing ◽  
Vehicle Routing Problem ◽  
Clustering Algorithm ◽  
Optimization Problems ◽  
Time Window ◽  
Time Windows ◽  
Routing Problem ◽  
Combinatorial Optimization Problems ◽  
Acceptable Quality ◽  
Golden Ball

In this article, the authors propose a decision support system which aims to optimize the classical Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem by considering the existence of multiple available depots and a time window which must not be violated, that they call the Multi-Depot Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Window (MDVRPTW), and with respecting a set of criteria including: schedules requests from clients, the capacity of vehicles. The authors solve this problem by proposing a recently published technique based on soccer concepts, called Golden Ball (GB), with different solution representation from the original one, this technique was designed to solve combinatorial optimization problems, and by embedding a clustering algorithm. Computational results have shown that the approach produces acceptable quality solutions compared to the best previous results in similar problem in terms of generated solutions and processing time. Experimental results prove that the proposed Golden Ball algorithm is efficient and effective to solve the MDVRPTW problem.

The Traveling Salesman Problem, the Vehicle Routing Problem, and Their Impact on Combinatorial Optimization

2010 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 82-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gilbert Laporte
Keyword(s):  
Combinatorial Optimization ◽  
Vehicle Routing ◽  
Traveling Salesman Problem ◽  
Vehicle Routing Problem ◽  
Heuristic Algorithms ◽  
Optimization Problems ◽  
Traveling Salesman ◽  
Routing Problem ◽  
Combinatorial Optimization Problems ◽  
The Traveling Salesman Problem

The Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) and the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) are two of the most popular problems in the field of combinatorial optimization. Due to the study of these two problems, there has been a significant growth in families of exact and heuristic algorithms being used today. The purpose of this paper is to show how their study has fostered developments of the most popular algorithms now applied to the solution of combinatorial optimization problems. These include exact algorithms, classical heuristics and metaheuristics.

scholarly journals Focusing on the Golden Ball Metaheuristic: An Extended Study on a Wider Set of Problems

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Osaba ◽  
F. Diaz ◽  
R. Carballedo ◽  
E. Onieva ◽  
A. Perallos
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithms ◽  
Combinatorial Optimization ◽  
Vehicle Routing ◽  
Vehicle Routing Problem ◽  
Optimization Problems ◽  
Traveling Salesman ◽  
Routing Problem ◽  
Combinatorial Optimization Problems ◽  
Golden Ball ◽  
The One

Nowadays, the development of new metaheuristics for solving optimization problems is a topic of interest in the scientific community. In the literature, a large number of techniques of this kind can be found. Anyway, there are many recently proposed techniques, such as the artificial bee colony and imperialist competitive algorithm. This paper is focused on one recently published technique, the one called Golden Ball (GB). The GB is a multiple-population metaheuristic based on soccer concepts. Although it was designed to solve combinatorial optimization problems, until now, it has only been tested with two simple routing problems: the traveling salesman problem and the capacitated vehicle routing problem. In this paper, the GB is applied to four different combinatorial optimization problems. Two of them are routing problems, which are more complex than the previously used ones: the asymmetric traveling salesman problem and the vehicle routing problem with backhauls. Additionally, one constraint satisfaction problem (the n-queen problem) and one combinatorial design problem (the one-dimensional bin packing problem) have also been used. The outcomes obtained by GB are compared with the ones got by two different genetic algorithms and two distributed genetic algorithms. Additionally, two statistical tests are conducted to compare these results.

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