CHAPTER 2

2. Literature Review

2.1 General

The present work is aimed to have an efficient and flexible dispatching

schedule[21], which will not only provides Un-interrupted dispatching schedule but also
reduces the Total Waiting Time (TWT) of RMC trucks[22], by giving scope to the Batch
Plant Manager to make changes in the data parameters. In order to prepare a basis for the
study a review of literatures was carried out. A brief account of the review is presented in
following paragraphs.

2.2 Bee Colony Optimization

There have been only few studies in the literature dedicated to RMC production or
truck dispatching scheduling. Several models for simulating the construction operation
have been developed [16], [23],[24]. Furthermore, the efficient and flexible models based
on optimization techniques were proposed [23], [25], [15]. In the past decade, various
natural inspired algorithms were developed, such as Simulated Annealing (SA)[5], [16],
[26], Tabu Search (TS) [27], [28], algorithm and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO)
[29], [30], They are probabilistic heuristic algorithms and have been successfully used to
address combinatorial optimization problem. This algorithm provides better solution in
comparison to classical algorithms. A branch of natural inspired algorithms known as
Swarm Intelligence (SI) is focused on insect behaviors in order to develop some
metaheuristics, i.e., Ant Colony Optimization (ACO)[31], [32]. Bee Colony Optimization
(BCO)[33] was proposed by [34], which mimics the food foraging behavior of swarms of
honey bees[35]. Honeybees use several mechanisms like waggle dance to find optimal
location of food sources and to search new ones. This algorithm is a very easy and
vigorous stochastic optimization algorithm[5], [36].
2.3 Genetic Algorithm (GA) for Optimization

A model that incorporates GA[37], [38] and simulation technique[39] is built to

find the optimal dispatching schedule which minimizes the total waiting time of transit
mixer at construction sites and satisfy the needs of RMC deliveries requested by different
construction sites. In addition, a user-friendly computer program is developed to help
batch plant managers to simplify the dispatching process. Results show that this new
approach along with the implemented computer program can quickly generate efficient
and flexible schedules of dispatching[40] RMC trucks, but scope for making changes in
the data parameters if required in some critical issues is not given to the dispatching
manager[41].
Researchers of [24], have applied simulation techniques to concrete batching
operation to analysis unconventional solutions and resource management. They applied
Micro-CYCLONE simulation system. They have presented one concrete batch plant
example as a case study and demonstrate its usefulness as a decision-making tool to the
plant manager for deciding dispatching schedule. He also explained the role of simulation
as a tool for decision making and resource management. Simulation sensitivity analysis is
used to generate useful decision-making tool for various operations in concrete batch
plant. The TCQ (Total Cost of Quality)[42] and contour lines charts were used for
establishing production time, production cost, required resources for required distances
from batch plant. The feasible region chart is used for deciding the range of optional
solutions available to reduce production time and cost according to the fleet [43].
The simulation approach is used to study the concrete batch plant operations,
which provides a means of predicting system production and defining optimized supply
areas in the region of a concrete batch plant.

The sub-objectives of all such research study were:

1. Study each component of plant-truck-pump cycle.

2. Development of Micro-CYCLONE model for these processes (refer Fig. 2.1)
3. Data collection for simulation to calculate optimum Number of trucks,
optimum supply area around batch plant, optimum cost per unit and
developing a decision-making tool for concrete batch plant manager.
 Figure 2.1 Micro CYCLONE Schematic Model for Concrete Batching Plant

Chunge Wei Feng and Tao-Ming Cheng, developed user friendly computer
program called RMCDiSO [16] to help batch plant manager to streamline the dispatching
process of RMC trucks in 2003. Due to the uncertainty and complexity involved in the
dispatching schedule/process, if done manually, they thought of such an approach which
will ease the batch plant manager to develop as efficient and flexible dispatching
schedule of transit mixers.

After analyzing the factors, which impacts the RMC deliveries, they build a
model based on the Genetic Algorithms (GA)[44] and simulation technique to find the
best dispatching schedule, which will minimize the total waiting time of transit mixers at
sites and satisfies the needs of the RMC deliveries from different construction sites.
Results of the program shows that, the batch plant manager can quickly generate efficient
dispatching schedule of RMC trucks, which will improve the operations[45] at batch
plant and also promotes the service of the RMC batch plant. But this study fails to satisfy
uninterrupted dispatching schedule and in giving scope to make changes in the decision
making factors[46].
 Figure 2.2 RMC Dispatching Schedule Optimizer [7]

Ming & Zang (2004) have presented a new approach for concrete plant operations
optimization by combining RMC production simulation tool, refer Figure 2.2, (called
HKCONSIM)[11] with a GA based optimization procedure[47].

The ultimate goal of the study is to apply operation simulation and GA

optimization to resource planning and production planning of a RMC plant in order to
achieve better plant-site coordination and to meet the daily demands of construction sites
for concrete.

The emphasis is mainly focusing on:

1. Finding the of number of transit mixers required, with certain volume/capacity,

2. The estimation supply rate of transit mixers,
3. Timely delivery on each site (service level),
4. Best utilization of resources available at batch plant.
 Outstanding text on GA is given by [26], [48] and several researchers summaries
the essentials of the genetic algorithm modeling[3], [47]. Genetic algorithm (GA) is a
heuristic technique based on the concept of survival of the fittest. This technique has been
proven as more effective for determining high-class solutions than the analytical methods
previously indicated, and it does not require continuity of the objective function or other
assumptions such as convexity[49], [50].

2.4 Supply Chain Management for Optimization:

In [51] researchers found a need of developing a systematic RMC dispatching model

based on the dispatching center approach to find optimum dispatching schedule with
limited resources.

He first explained the SCM (Supply chain Management) [52] concept applied to the
model development and then incorporates the SCM concept in building a systematic
RMC dispatching model, based on dispatching center approach. This integrated
dispatching model allows the dispatching center to take requests from various
construction sites and coordinates it’s subordinate batch plant to process RMC deliveries
in dynamic environment.

New technologies like fmGA, refer Figure 2.3 (a) [53] (fast messy Genetic
Algorithms)[54], [55], simulation and GPS (Global Positioning System) were used within
the model development.

Figure 2.3 (a) Organization of the fmGA (b) The GPRS-based GPS
 The various SCM concepts like:

1. JIT (Just In Time)[52]

2. QR (Quick Response)[37]
3. BTO (Built to Order) are incorporated in the model and the dispatching center
that co-ordinates the various RMC batch plants to deliver RMC to the
construction sites has become call center of the RMC delivering operation. All
RMC delivery required from the construction sites are processed through the
dispatching center, which will direct the trucks from various batch plants to the
sites requiring RMC.

2.5 Variable Neighborhood Search (VNS) for Optimization

Authors of [56], developed a mathematical model for RMC delivery and provided
solution with VNS optimization technique. The overall aim was to deliver the concrete to
site on time and as cost-effective as possible[30]. Cheol Min Joo et al in [57] worked for
reducing tardiness of manufacturing of concrete and delivery of scheduling[56][58].
In all case studies explained in the model only reasonable combinations of fixed
variables are allowed from which the delivery is made, and this may be assured by the
data-preparation module[30].

2.6 Other Technique in RMC Production

In [12] researchers worked for reduction of number of transit mixers up to 75% along
with optimization on utilization of pumps and plants using simulation based operation.
Author reduced number of variables of decision making so as to have optimized solution
in less time [25] proposed a combined model of heuristics[59], [60], [17],
hybridization[61] and computer simulation[62] for giving advantages and limitations of
RMC delivery problem[27], [43], [63], [64], [65]. Few simulation[66] based study have
their own limitations of RMC dispatching[67].
2.7 Optimization of Waiting Time with GPS

A separate literature review is carried out through 9 papers for achieving the
objectives listed above. It was found that the GPS[68] and GIS[2], [69], [7] technology is
useful to find the velocity of the vehicle and tracking[6], [70] of the vehicle[71].

The research describes a practical model for routing[12] and then tracking of
transit mixer in outdoor environment based on the Global Positioning System (GPS) and
Global System[72] for Mobile Communication (GSM)[73], [74]. Automatic Vehicle[75]
Location (AVL)[54] is an advanced method used to track and monitor any remote vehicle
equipped with a software unit that receives and transfers signals through GPS satellite.
The entire transmission mechanism of AVL setup depends on GPS satellite. The GSM
module[76] will be provided with a sim card for communication purpose. GPS[72] will
give the longitude and latitude values[68] and those values will be transmitted to the
server with the help of GSM module. Once the longitude and latitude value will get
uploaded on the server, the user will able to download it from server and get the real-time
location of the vehicle[77]. Also, this system is very useful for vehicle [60] theft
situations, for adolescent drivers being watched and monitored by owner. Also, it is
useful for dispatching schedule operation of RMC transit mixer to minimize the
interruption, waiting time of transit mixers as well as construction sites.

2.8 Findings from Literature Review

The work carried out by various researchers is summarized as follows:

• Few studies have suggested software’s (using GA) to give optimal solution in less
than 10 minutes based on Number of deliveries, but scope to make changes in the
decision-making parameters is not given, as travelling duration and sometimes
casting duration are uncertain. GPS can be integrated to provide real time
operation data[16], [37].
• Limited work gives advantage of Bee Colony Optimization BCO[65] over GA
based model for better quality solution[35].
• Research work is based on common practice of calculating unit price for concrete
to be dispatched, but greater precision can be achieved by considering correct
 fleet distance[78], [59]in addition to issues related to mix design requirement
[79].
• Research on reducing RMC cost[80] for different hauling distances (4.8 to 24
km), proved that the delays in dispatching RMC are 62.54 % because of miss-
management of scheduling, hence proving the need of generating systematic
approach for reducing RMC cost by reducing waiting time and resources used [5],
[37], [4].
• Demand of research work for User interface algorithms possibly to be used on
mobile App to ease the batch plant manager to generate dispatching schedule in
his absence on plant in critical cases[68], [19] like accidents or failure of tucks
during dispatching[81].
• It is found that higher optimization will leads to more savings in monitory and
time factors[3], [31].
• High skill is required for responding the changing market of around 70% changes
in customers’ orders[35], [82], .

2.9 Scope of this research work

The present research focuses on providing Single window interface[47] to the

batch plant manager which will ease the scheduling operation, which will offer flexibility
to make changes in the data parameters, as and when needed, even in his / her absence on
the plant by offering mobile / tab App. Along with all these we have also demonstrated
the use of GPS tracking, to monitor route of RMC truck and finding exact time of travels
from plant to site, to optimize the saving time on higher side. This work also focuses on
saving number of RMC trucks[83] in case of single plant single site conditions.

3.0 Critique
The forgoing discussion indicates that, a lot off research has been carried out in
this field of Optimization of dispatching schedule of RMC transit mixer, by various
persons worldwide, but the technique is not so simple or user friendly[84], [51]. And
even in none of the method suggested by all the researchers, a scope to the Batch Plant
Manager, to make changes in data parameters, was given which this research approach
provides in this work. This research produces uninterrupted dispatching by reducing the
delays[4] with minimum number of transit mixers in less duration[85].

The list shown in Table 2.1 indicates the comparative research outcomes of the
researcher’s since 2001 to 2019.
Table 2.1 Summary showing Comparisons of the Literature Review work with
Presented Research on various objective aspects:
Sr. Author Journal Objectives GUI GPS Saving in Saving in Reduct-
No. (Year) develop- Use Waiting Number ion of
ped Time of Trucks Interr-
Main work uption
[working
time]

1 Tarek M. ASCE, Optimum NA NA NA NA NA

Zayed et J.Constructi number of
al [24] onEngg. & Trucks for
Mgmt. Dispatching
(2001) through
Cyclonic
Model tool
2 Chung- Elsevier Model based Yes NA NA NA NA
Wei Feng (2003) on GA & [13 sec to
et al [51] Simulation give
to save time optimum
of decide value]
schedule
3 Ming IEEE (2004) Simulation Yes NA NA 19% to NA
Cao et al model called [3Hrs 48 40%
[16] HKCONSIM minutes]
with GA
4 Omar Al- Elsevier Intelligent NA Yes NA NA NA
Jarrah Sci.Direct system fuzzy
etal [63] (2005) interface for
land fill
5 David Elsevier Meta- NA NA Yes NA Yes
Naso et al (2006) heuristic
[25] approach
hybrid GA
6 Tarek M. Canada J. Cost mgmt Delays are NA NA NA NA
Zayed et Civil Engg. using 62.5 %
al [20] (2006) stochastic due to bad
mathematica mgmt
l models
7 Ming Lu J. GPS Development NA Yes NA NA NA
et al [49] (2006) of RMC 82 –
transport 93 %
monitoring Accur
system acy
8 Fritz Payr IEEE (2009) Mathematical Yes NA 23.63 % NA NA
et al [16] model based 250 sec to
on Variable 3000 sec
Neighbourho
od Search
(VNS)
9 Sakchai American J. Bee colony Yes NA NA NA NA
Srichand of Engg. optimization
um et al &aPp. for Cost
[5] Sci.(2010) comparison
10 Tzung- Elsevier Fuzzy GA NA NA NA NA NA
Nan (2010) for shipping
 Chuang Expert RMC
et.al[55] System with
Applicat-
ions
11 Shangyao Elsevier Network NA NA NA NA NA
Yan et al (2011) flow model
[15] Automation improving
in Constru- cost by 10.75
ction %
12 Antonios 2012 Simulation NA NA NA -13 to NA
Panas et Based Model 75 %
al [45]
13 Low C. et Elsevier Minimizing NA NA NA 13 % to NA
al[80] (2014) cost of 32 %
Int. J. delivery, and
Production delivery time
Economics
14 J. Elsevier Model for NA Yes NA NA NA
Kinable (2014) Concrete
et al[5] Computers delivery
& problem
Operations
Research
15 Nuntana Songklanaka BEE NA NA Better NA NA
Mayteekr rin J. Sci. Algorithm than GA
ieangkrai Technology results
et al[22] (2015)
16 Kittipong IJTech ArcGIS NA Yes NA NA NA
Thawong (2016) GIS
klang et
al[4]
17 Autthapo RSID GA model Yes 59 NA Better NA Yes
n (2016) for Sec with results
Sirisuwan scheduling 1450 GB
et al RAM
18 Chung- Elsevier GA based Yes NA NA NA NA
Wei Feng (2004) model
et al[16]
19 Chung- Elsevier FmGA NA Yes NA NA NA
Wei Feng technology
et al [54] with GPS

This presented research approach not only provides an efficient dispatching

schedule of RMC transit mixer but also reduces the Total Waiting Time (TWT) of the
transit mixer with least use of them on single window interface.

20 DiScO 2015-2020 GA based 92 Sec to Yes 6 % to 17 % to Yes

RMC MATLAB 115 Sec 60 % 44 % Always
Model App Zero
[Proposed
work]