Comparison of spreadsheet-based optimization tools applied to construction site layout problem

This paper compares different spreadsheet-based optimization tools applied to a practical example of a construction site layout problem. The objective of the optimization is to minimize the total time of material transportation by optimal positioning of tower crane and work facilities on the construction site with repetitive operations. Computer programs, such as MS Excel, LibreOffice Calc, and Google Sheets can be applied as modeling tools for a variety of construction optimization problems in addition to their usual functionalities. In this study, LibreOffice Calc Solver, MS Excel Solver, along with other MS Excel add-ins, i.e., OpenSolver, Evolver, and What’sBest, are analyzed. The capabilities of optimization tools mentioned above are examined on the problem of optimal positioning of tower crane and work facilities on the construction site. The results obtained by optimization tools are noted and discussed. The paper ends with conclusions and recommendations for further research.

Exploring the Influence Mechanism of Attractiveness on Wuhan’s Urban Commercial Centers by Modifying the Classic Retail Model

The attractiveness of commercial centers is one of the core issues in urban and rural planning research. To deepen the theoretical understanding of attractiveness and optimize modeling, we empirically analyzed the factors and mechanisms influencing the attractiveness of Wuhan’s commercial centers by improving the classic retail model and testing the age differentiation of mechanisms. The results indicate the following: (1) there is an obvious attractiveness gap in the commercial centers examined, and six have not met their planning expectations; (2) intensive and abundant shopping services, domestic services, sports and leisure services, and medical care services all promote attractiveness, but their impact on customers of different ages varies greatly. For young consumers, shopping services have the greatest effect on attractiveness, whereas for middle-aged and elderly consumers, sports and leisure services have the greatest effect; (3) the accumulation of length of development increases the likelihood of young people’s patronage, but the effect is weak; (4) traffic resistance shows a stable inhibitory effect, and middle-aged and elderly people are more sensitive to travel time than youth; (5) improving the retail model is effective, and the model is more powerful in explaining young consumers. This research also puts forward policy recommendations for the commercial centers’ industry configuration, new and old combinations, and traffic accessibility, and then proposes planning countermeasures for Wuhan’s city- and-county-level commercial center layout, local commercial land morphology organization, and the construction optimization of commercial centers that have not met expectations.

Strength Analysis of the Truck Wheel Rim Robot Gripper

This paper presents a study of the strength of the truck rim robot gripper structure using the finite element analysis system Solidworks Simulation. The developed CAD model of the gripper was adapted to the research by Solidworks Simulation system, which was used to evaluate the strength and stiffness of the structure. Construction optimization was performed, the obtained results were compared.

Make Full Advantage of New System - Research on the Design, Construction and Use of Low-Energy and Industrialized ICF House in Guanzhong Rural Areas of China

This paper conducts surveys on the design, construction and use of the ICF system, a new type of low-energy and industrialized house that has emerged in Guanzhong rural area of China in recent years. The survey content includes family background, house layout design, construction and cost, details and energy consumption simulation, temperature test etc. The paper summarizes the reasons for the popularity of the ICF system and the issues that need attention in future promotions. Construction optimization is also proposed for thermal bridge at the window opening, so that this new system can exert a more comprehensive energy-saving performance.

Optimizing DODAG Build with RPL Protocol

In the lossy wireless network routing system based on RPL technology, an improved DODAG construction optimization scheme is proposed for sensor nodes with low-power dissipation in the interference environment. If a node discovers that all paths between it and its neighbors have failed, the node reset action begins. Once the node reset is complete, the DODAG system build process is resumed. This prevents the DODAG root from initiating a global fix by incrementing the DODAG VersionNumer to produce a new version of the DODAG in a disruptive environment. The power loss caused by this global repair operation is avoided. The performance of DODAG in interference environment is enhanced, and the data retransmission rate is reduced.