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An Improved Metaheuristic Algorithm for On-site Workshop Availability Cost Problem

Niloufar Mirzavand Boroujeni, Nima Moradi

TL;DR

MOSWACP addresses the cost-driven scheduling of multi-mode activities with spatially constrained on-site workshops and finite lifetimes. It combines a MILP formulation for small-scale problems with the Electron Radar Search Algorithm (ERSA), enhanced by problem-specific operators, to solve large-scale instances more effectively than CPLEX and standard metaheuristics. The approach is validated through extensive instance generation, parameter tuning via RSM, and a real-case trailer production study, revealing substantial cost savings (e.g., 33.99% vs traditional policies) and strong performance on large problems. The work demonstrates the practical impact of integrating spatially aware OSWs into project scheduling, offering a scalable optimization framework for construction and production sites.

Abstract

The Multi-mode Resource Availability Cost Problem (MRACP) optimizes resource availability to minimize usage costs and is a recent project scheduling problem variant. The Multi-Mode On-Site Workshop Availability Cost Problem (MOSWACP) extends MRACP by introducing spatial constraints for On-site Workshops (OSWs) at construction sites. MOSWACP aims to determine the optimal availability level, installation, and dismantling times for OSWs while scheduling activities within spatial and resource limitations. A novel Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model is developed, and a metaheuristic algorithm, the Electron Radar Search Algorithm (ERSA), is proposed to solve large-scale instances. ERSA, enhanced with problem-specific operators, outperforms CPLEX in large instances and outperforms Simulated Annealing (SA), Genetic Algorithm (GA), and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). An actual case study demonstrated significant cost savings using the proposed model. The results and conclusions highlight the effectiveness of the ERSA approach in managing complex project scheduling challenges.

An Improved Metaheuristic Algorithm for On-site Workshop Availability Cost Problem

TL;DR

MOSWACP addresses the cost-driven scheduling of multi-mode activities with spatially constrained on-site workshops and finite lifetimes. It combines a MILP formulation for small-scale problems with the Electron Radar Search Algorithm (ERSA), enhanced by problem-specific operators, to solve large-scale instances more effectively than CPLEX and standard metaheuristics. The approach is validated through extensive instance generation, parameter tuning via RSM, and a real-case trailer production study, revealing substantial cost savings (e.g., 33.99% vs traditional policies) and strong performance on large problems. The work demonstrates the practical impact of integrating spatially aware OSWs into project scheduling, offering a scalable optimization framework for construction and production sites.

Abstract

The Multi-mode Resource Availability Cost Problem (MRACP) optimizes resource availability to minimize usage costs and is a recent project scheduling problem variant. The Multi-Mode On-Site Workshop Availability Cost Problem (MOSWACP) extends MRACP by introducing spatial constraints for On-site Workshops (OSWs) at construction sites. MOSWACP aims to determine the optimal availability level, installation, and dismantling times for OSWs while scheduling activities within spatial and resource limitations. A novel Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model is developed, and a metaheuristic algorithm, the Electron Radar Search Algorithm (ERSA), is proposed to solve large-scale instances. ERSA, enhanced with problem-specific operators, outperforms CPLEX in large instances and outperforms Simulated Annealing (SA), Genetic Algorithm (GA), and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). An actual case study demonstrated significant cost savings using the proposed model. The results and conclusions highlight the effectiveness of the ERSA approach in managing complex project scheduling challenges.
Paper Structure (17 sections, 9 equations, 14 figures, 11 tables, 2 algorithms)

This paper contains 17 sections, 9 equations, 14 figures, 11 tables, 2 algorithms.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Literature Review
  3. Multi-Mode On-Site Workshop Availability Cost Problem
  4. Linearization of constraint \ref{['Eq3']}
  5. Linearization of constraint \ref{['Eq4']}
  6. Electron Radar Search Algorithm for MOSWACP
  7. Solution representation
  8. Initial population generation
  9. Improvement-based local search
  10. Computational Results
  11. Instance generation for MOSWACP
  12. Parameter tuning
  13. Solutions to the adopted MIP model
  14. ERSA performance evaluation
  15. Case study
  16. ...and 2 more sections

Figures (14)

  • Figure 1: An on-site workshop for storage Doe:shel:Online
  • Figure 1: The behavior of the objective function ($OF$) with respect to the parameters of ERSA
  • Figure 2: The example of an AON network
  • Figure 3: The comparison of feasible schedules with (a) limited and (b) unlimited physical space to the AON network in Fig. \ref{['fig:graph']}
  • Figure 4: A construction site with $5$ OSWs and the corresponding project AON network, where activity $1$ is executed on mode $1$
  • ...and 9 more figures