A new approach for optimizing earth moving operations. Part II

Part I of this Paper describes the develoment of a comprehensive model (RESOM) achieved by combining computer simulation and linear/integer programming (LP/IP) techniques. In Part II, the application and experimentation with RESOM is sytematically explained using two case studies. The first case study reveals that about 20% of earthworks costs estimated by contractors could be saved through the application of RESOM. The advanced use of RESOM is illustrated using a second case study and involves the testing of different plant teams for individual haulage operations, the setting up of new borrow/ disposal sites, the incorporation of project duration constraints and the determination of the optimum construction plan for various optimality criteria. A sensitivity analysis performed to investigate the effect of average sectional interval and plant selection is also presented.