Introduction to Civil Engineering Systems

Learning Objectives:
• Define Civil Engineering Systems.
• Define Analytical Problem Solving and Decision
Making.
• Understand various types and concepts of
mathematical model
• Describe key elements of an optimization Model

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 What is a system?
• A system is a collection of interrelated elements that
have a specific purpose and function in order to achieve
a common goal.

Examples (System-Function):
1. Vehicles-Transportation
2. Computers-Analysis/Communication
3. Business -Product or Service
4. Government-Public Service
5. Schools-Education
6. Civil Infrastructure- Flow of goods, people, energy,
communication, etc.

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 Civil Infrastructure Systems

“2013 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure.” ASCE. March 2013

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 What is Systems Analysis?
Systems analysis is the application of scientific methods to
model, test, evaluate and solve complex problems within the
actual system.

 The systems analysis approach to solving complex

problems includes a large body of knowledge including:
• Management Science
• Operations Research
• Decision Science

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 General Analytical Problem
Solving Procedure
7 Steps:
(First 5 steps are the process of decision making)
1. Define a problem.
2. Determine feasible alternative solutions.
3. Determine the method and criteria for evaluating
alternatives.
4. Evaluate all feasible alternatives.
5. Select “best” alternative.
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6. Implement the selected alternative.
7. Monitor performance and make adjustments as needed.

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 General Analytical Problem
Solving Procedure
Structuring the Problem Analyzing the Problem

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Problem Identify Method/ Evaluate Select Best
Definition Alternatives Criteria Alternatives Alternative

Monitoring

7. 6.
Evaluate Implement
Performance Decision

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 Quantitative Decision-Making

• Problems in which the objective is to find the

best solution with respect to one criterion (i.e.
cost) are referred to as single-objective
decision problems.

• Problems that involve more than one

criterion are referred to as multiobjective-
decision problems.

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 Qualitative Analysis and Decision Making
Qualitative Analysis
• based largely on judgment and experience
• includes intuitive “feel” for the problem
• is more of an art than a science

Example:
What color should I paint my room?

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 Quantitative Decision Analysis
General Procedure:
1. Collect and analyze data associated with the problem.

2. Develop mathematical expressions (models) that

describe the objectives, constraints, and other
relationships that exist in the problem.

3. Apply one or more quantitative methods to determine

the best (optimal) alternative.

4. Write a report that summarizes the analysis and

provides recommendation.

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 What is a model?

• A physical or mathematical representation of a

real object or system that is used to test and
evaluate performance or determine solutions to
complex problems within the system.

Why use models in lieu of the real system?

– Models are frequently less expensive and involve less
risk compared to experimenting with the real object or
system.

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 Types of Models
Three general forms of models are:
1. Iconic models - physical replicas (scalar representations)
of real objects (i.e laboratory testing and
experimentation)
2. Analog models - physical in form, but do not physically
resemble the object being modeled (i.e. speedometer,
thermometer)
3. Mathematical models - represent real world problems
through a system of mathematical formulas and
expressions based on key assumptions, estimates, or
statistical analyses.

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 Mathematical Models
Classifications:

• Descriptive: Developed from an understanding of

natural laws and used to predict specific outcomes
based on a given set of inputs and conditions.
(i.e. F = ma)

• Prescriptive: Uses mathematical expressions to

prescribe a course of action or policy. (optimization
models)

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 Mathematical Models
Classifications (cont’d):

• Deterministic Model – if all model inputs are known with

absolute certainty and cannot vary.

• Stochastic (or Probabilistic) Model – if any or all model

inputs are uncertain and subject to variation

– Stochastic models are often more difficult to develop and

analyze, but with computers, they are achievable.

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 Mathematical “Optimization” Models
Basic Elements :
• Decision Variables – unknown (but controllable) level
of the desired output.
– xj represents the unknown level of the jth decision.

• Objective Function – a mathematical expression that

describes the problem’s objective, such as
maximizing profit (Benefit) or minimizing cost in
terms of the defined decision variables.

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 Mathematical “Optimization” Models
Basic Elements (cont’d):

• Constraints – a set of uncontrollable restrictions or

limitations related to the objective statement
– Uncontrollable Inputs : factors that are not under the
control of the decision analyst such as cost, budget and
resource availability. (i.e. production capacity, traffic flow,
loads, water supply, etc.)

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 Mathematical Optimization Models

Uncontrollable Inputs
(Constraints)

Controllable
Inputs Objective Output
(Decision Statement (Optimal Solution)
Variables)

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 Example
Environmental Optimization Model
Given: Air-pollution distribution problem described in
Problem 1.1 of textbook.
Find:
Describe the following elements of the problem in
words:
a.) decision variables
b.) parameters
c.) objective function
d.) constraints

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 Example
Environmental Optimization Model
Solution:
a.) decision variables: (unknown desired quantities)
How many lbs. of SO2 removed from each Plant?

b.) parameters: (known quantities)

– Cost/lb. of SO2 removed from each plant j
– Distribution factor representing ratio of SO2 emitted from each
plant to arriving at monitoring site.
– Total amount of SO2 arriving at monitoring site k allowed by EPA
standards
– Amount of untreated SO2 prior to removal

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 Example
Environmental Optimization Model
Solution:
c.) objective function:
Minimize the total cost of SO2 removal

d.) constraints:
1. Total amount of SO2 arriving at each monitoring site
must be less than or equal to EPA standards
2. Treatment/Cost of SO2 removal at each plant must be
equitable

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 Mathematical Models
• The goal of the analyst is to identify the alternative
that provides the “best” (or optimal) solution to the
mathematical model.

– Any alternative that does not satisfy all of the model

constraints is rejected as being infeasible.

– Any alternative that satisfies all of the model constraints is

considered feasible and a candidate for the “best”
solution.

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 Reporting Results
• A managerial report, based on the results of the
model, should be prepared.
• The report should include:
– Information basis (data sources and summary)
– Objectives and Constraints
– Results
– Discussion (for example, how sensitive the model solution
is to the assumptions and data used in the model)
– Recommended decision

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 Management/Decision Science Techniques

 Linear Programming  Simulation

 Integer Linear  Decision Analysis
Programming  Goal Programming
 Nonlinear Programming  Analytic Hierarchy Process
 PERT/CPM Scheduling  Forecasting
 Inventory Models  Markov-Process Models
 Queuing Models  Distribution/Network Models
 Engineering Economic
Analysis
Note: Items highlighted in red will be covered in this course
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 Homework

HW1:

Ch1 Problems: 3,4,6,8

Due 1/25/17

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