scholarly journals STUDY AND APPLY ACO ALGORITHM IN TIME-COST OPTIMIZATION OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-30
Author(s):  
Luan Hong Pham ◽  
Nhan Thanh Duong
Keyword(s):  
Cost Optimization ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Heuristic Method ◽  
Ant Colony ◽  
Ant Colony System ◽  
Time Cost ◽  
Project Duration ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Feasible Solutions ◽  
Computational Resources

Time-cost optimization problem is one of the most important aspects of construction project management. In order to maximize the return, construction planners would strive to optimize the project duration and cost concurrently. Over the years, many researches have been conducted to model the time-cost relationships; the modeling techniques range from the heuristic method and mathematical approach to genetic algorithm. In this paper, an evolutionary-based optimization algorithm known as ant colony optimization (ACO) is applied to solve the multi-objective time-cost problem. By incorporating with the modified adaptive weight approach (MAWA), the proposed model will find out the most feasible solutions. The concept of the ACO-TCO model is developed by a computer program in the Visual Basic platforms. An example was analyzed to illustrate the capabilities of the proposed model and to compare against GA-based TCO model. The results indicate that ant colony system approach is able to generate better solutions without making the most of computational resources which can provide a useful means to support construction planners and managers in efficiently making better time-cost decisions.

scholarly journals AN ANT COLONY SYSTEM BASED DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR CONSTRUCTION TIME-COST OPTIMIZATION

2012 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 580-589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanshuai Zhang ◽  
S. Thomas Ng
Keyword(s):  
Optimization Problems ◽  
Cost Optimization ◽  
Ant Colony ◽  
Ant Colony System ◽  
Time Cost ◽  
Construction Time ◽  
Project Duration ◽  
Test Study ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Computational Resources

Time and cost are the two most important factors to be considered in every construction project. In order to maximize the profit, both the client and contractor would strive to minimize the project duration and cost concurrently. In the past, most of the research studies related to construction time and cost assumed time to be constant, leaving the analyses based purely on a single objective of cost. Acknowledging this limitation, an evolutionary-based optimization algorithm known as an ant colony system is applied in this study to solve the multi-objective time-cost optimization problems. In this paper, a model is developed using Visual Basic for Application™ which is integrated with Microsoft Project™. Through a test study, the performance of the proposed model is compared against other analytical methods previously used for time-cost modeling. The results show that the model based on the ant colony system techniques can generate better solutions without utilizing excessive computational resources. The model, therefore, provides an efficient means to support planners and managers in making better time-cost decisions efficiently.

scholarly journals A Cost Optimization Model for Multiresource Leveling Problem without Project Duration Constraint

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qingyou Yan ◽  
Qian Zhang ◽  
Xin Zou
Keyword(s):  
Optimization Model ◽  
Cost Optimization ◽  
Resource Usage ◽  
Project Duration ◽  
Resource Demand ◽  
Resource Leveling ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Liquidated Damages ◽  
The Relationship

The study of traditional resource leveling problem aims at minimizing the resource usage fluctuations and obtaining sustainable resource supplement, which is accomplished by adjusting noncritical activities within their start and finish time. However, there exist limitations in terms of the traditional resource leveling problem based on the fixed project duration. This paper assumes that the duration can be changed in a certain range and then analyzes the relationship between the scarce resource usage fluctuations and project cost. This paper proposes an optimization model for the multiresource leveling problem. We take into consideration five kinds of cost: the extra hire cost when the resource demand is greater than the resource available amount, the idle cost of resource when the resource available amount is greater than the resource demand, the indirect cost related to the duration, the liquidated damages when the project duration is extended, and the incentive fee when the project duration is reduced. The optimal objective of this model is to minimize the sum of the aforementioned five kinds of cost. Finally, a case study is examined to highlight the characteristic of the proposed model at the end of this paper.

Novel Form-Finding of Tensegrity Structures Using Ant Colony Systems

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yao Chen ◽  
Jian Feng ◽  
Yongfen Wu
Keyword(s):  
Travelling Salesman Problem ◽  
Ant Colony ◽  
Ant Colony System ◽  
Form Finding ◽  
Tensegrity Structures ◽  
Connectivity Patterns ◽  
Feasible Solutions ◽  
Ant Colony Systems ◽  
The Given

Tensegrity structures are drawing the attention of architects and engineers due to their remarkable configurations. They have inextensional mechanisms, yet they are stable. The determination of connectivity patterns of the compression bars and tension cables is a key to design tensegrity structures. In this paper, a discrete optimization model for the form-finding of tensegrity structures was developed, and converted into a modified travelling salesman problem (TSP). The ant colony system (ACS) was used to search for feasible solutions, where all the given nodes were taken as different cities in the network. To obtain optimized shapes of tensegrity structures with stable equilibriums and adequate stiffness, an objective function was introduced. Examples based on the geometries of some polyhedra were carried out using the proposed technique. Many different configurations of the assemblies which consist of cables and bars are transformed into interesting tensegrity structures. It concludes that this novel algorithm could be applicable to the form-finding of both regular and nonregular tensegrity structures.

scholarly journals Extremal-Micro Genetic Algorithm Model for Time-Cost Optimization with Optimal Labour Productivity

2021 ◽  
Vol 67 (12) ◽  
pp. 682-691
Author(s):  
Sivakumar A ◽  
Bagath Singh N ◽  
Sathiamurthi P ◽  
Karthi Vinith K.S.
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Labour Productivity ◽  
Cost Optimization ◽  
Model Performance ◽  
Time Cost ◽  
Production Time ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Bus Body ◽  
Micro Genetic Algorithm ◽  
Genetic Algorithm Model

In a highly competitive manufacturing environment, it is critical to balance production time and cost simultaneously. Numerous attempts have been made to provide various solutions to strike a balance between these factors. However, more effort is still required to address these challenges in terms of labour productivity. This study proposes an integrated substitution and management improvement technique for enhancing the effectiveness of labour resources and equipment. Furthermore, in the context of time-cost optimization with optimal labour productivity, an extremal-micro genetic algorithm (Ex-μGA) model has been proposed. A real-world case from the labour-intensive medium-scale bus body fabricating industry is used to validate the proposed model performance. According to the results, the proposed model can optimize production time and cost by 34 % and 19 %, respectively, while maintaining optimal labour productivity. In addition, this study provides an alternative method for dealing with production parameter imbalances and assisting production managers in developing labour schedules more effectively.

Solution of Travelling Salesman Problem Using Ant Colony Algorithm

2014 ◽  
Vol 548-549 ◽  
pp. 1206-1212
Author(s):  
Sevda Dayıoğlu Gülcü ◽  
Şaban Gülcü ◽  
Humar Kahramanli
Keyword(s):  
Discrete Optimization ◽  
Ant Colony Algorithm ◽  
Optimization Problems ◽  
Travelling Salesman Problem ◽  
Heuristic Method ◽  
Ant Colony ◽  
Ant Colony System ◽  
Travelling Salesman ◽  
Ant Colonies ◽  
Discrete Optimization Problems

Recently some studies have been revealed by inspiring from animals which live as colonies in the nature. Ant Colony System is one of these studies. This system is a meta-heuristic method which has been developed based upon food searching characteristics of the ant colonies. Ant Colony System is applied in a lot of discrete optimization problems such as travelling salesman problem. In this study solving the travelling salesman problem using ant colony system is aimed.

Stochastic time–cost optimization using non-dominated archiving ant colony approach

2011 ◽  
Vol 20 (8) ◽  
pp. 1193-1203 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Kalhor ◽  
M. Khanzadi ◽  
E. Eshtehardian ◽  
A. Afshar
Keyword(s):  
Cost Optimization ◽  
Ant Colony ◽  
Time Cost ◽  
Stochastic Time

scholarly journals Fuzzy Based Project Time-Cost Optimization Using Simulated Annealing Search Technique

2016 ◽  
pp. 1473-1486
Author(s):  
Khan Md. Ariful Haque ◽  
M. Ahsan Akhtar Hasin
Keyword(s):  
Simulated Annealing ◽  
Cost Optimization ◽  
Process Time ◽  
Time Cost ◽  
Deterministic Models ◽  
Productivity Level ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Cut Method ◽  
Project Scheduling Problem ◽  
Fuzzy Logic Theory

The Project time-cost optimization is inherently a complex task. Because of various kinds of uncertainties, such as weather, productivity level, inflation, human factors etc. during project execution process, time and cost of each activity may vary significantly. The complexity multiplies several folds when the operational times are not deterministic, rather fuzzy in nature. Therefore, deterministic models for time-cost optimization are not yet efficient. It is very difficult to find the exact solution of savings in both time and cost. To make such problems realistic, triangular fuzzy numbers and the concept of a-cut method in fuzzy logic theory are employed to model the problem. Because of NP-hard nature of the project scheduling problem, this paper develops a simple approach with Simulated Annealing (SA) based searching technique. The proposed model leads the decision makers to choose the desired solution under different values of a-cut. Finally, taking a real project, the performance of SA has been tested.

Fuzzy Based Project Time-Cost Optimization Using Simulated Annealing Search Technique

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khan Md. Ariful Haque ◽  
M. Ahsan Akhtar Hasin
Keyword(s):  
Simulated Annealing ◽  
Cost Optimization ◽  
Process Time ◽  
Time Cost ◽  
Deterministic Models ◽  
Productivity Level ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Cut Method ◽  
Project Scheduling Problem ◽  
Fuzzy Logic Theory

The Project time-cost optimization is inherently a complex task. Because of various kinds of uncertainties, such as weather, productivity level, inflation, human factors etc. during project execution process, time and cost of each activity may vary significantly. The complexity multiplies several folds when the operational times are not deterministic, rather fuzzy in nature. Therefore, deterministic models for time-cost optimization are not yet efficient. It is very difficult to find the exact solution of savings in both time and cost. To make such problems realistic, triangular fuzzy numbers and the concept of a-cut method in fuzzy logic theory are employed to model the problem. Because of NP-hard nature of the project scheduling problem, this paper develops a simple approach with Simulated Annealing (SA) based searching technique. The proposed model leads the decision makers to choose the desired solution under different values of a-cut. Finally, taking a real project, the performance of SA has been tested.

Time–cost–quality trade-off analysis for planning construction projects

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tianqi Wang ◽  
Moatassem Abdallah ◽  
Caroline Clevenger ◽  
Shahryar Monghasemi
Keyword(s):  
Optimization Model ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Present Model ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Time Cost ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Project Duration ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Project Objectives

Purpose Achieving project objectives in constructionprojects such as time, cost and quality is a challenging task. Minimizing project cost often results in additional project duration and might jeopardize quality, and minimizing project duration often results in additional cost and might jeopardize quality. Also, increasing construction quality often results in additional cost and time. The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze trade-offs among the project objectives of time, cost and quality. Design/methodology/approach The optimization model adopted a quantitative research method and is developed in two main steps formulation step that focuses on identifying model decision variables and formulating objective functions, and implementation step that executes the model computations using multi-objective optimization of Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithms to identify the aforementioned trade-offs, and codes the model using python. The model performance is verified and tested using a case study of construction project consisting of 20 activities. Findings The model was able to show practical and needed value for construction managers by identifying various trade-off solutions between the project objectives of time, cost and quality. For example, the model was able to identify the shortest project duration at 84 days while keeping cost under $440,000 and quality higher than 85 percent. However, with an additional budget of $20,000 (4.5 percent increase), the quality can be increased to 0.935 (8.5 percent improvement). Research limitations/implications The present research work is limited to project objectives of time, cost and quality. Future expansion of the model will focus on additional project objectives such as safety and sustainability. Furthermore, new optimization models can be developed for construction projects with repetitive nature such as roads, tunnels and high rise buildings. Practical implications The present model advances existing research in planning construction projects efficiently and achieving important project objectives. On the practical side, the optimization model will support the construction industry by allowing construction managers to identify the highest quality to deliver a construction project within specified budget and duration, lowest cost for specified duration and quality or shortest duration for specified budget and quality. Originality/value The present model introduces new and innovative method of increasing working hours per day and number of working days per shift while analyzing labor working efficiency and overtime rate to identify optimal trade-offs among important project objectives of time, cost and quality.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document