Integrated optimization of the berth allocation problem and quay crane assignment and scheduling problem using genetic algorithm and deterministic simulation through rules

Author(s)

José Leonardo Takahashi

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Limeira, SP.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Faculdade de Ciências Aplicadas
• Defense date: 2016-02-17

Examining board members

Anibal Tavares de Azevedo; Cristiano Torezzan; Luiz Leduino de Salles Neto

• Advisor: Antônio Augusto Chaves; Anibal Tavares de Azevedo

Abstract

This research is focused on the berth allocation problem combined with the assignment and scheduling of quay cranes problem between the berths. For better understanding, is used a case study applied to the integrated planning of port operations in the Praia Mole Port (Vitória - ES) thus the results may serve as a support tool for management this port. This support also serves to enable the synchronization of operations such that gains obtained in some step in the global process can be leveraged in subsequent steps. The cost, however, to deal with such problems integrally is that the mathematical modeling is a challenge because it requires knowing and describing logical conditions inherent to the processes. An alternative is modeling these problems using an evaluative function, which is to employ a deterministic simulation of operations and decisions to be applied in the port. The input variables represent the possible decisions at the port and the output is the total process time to the ships in the port (makespan). This output function was chosen aiming to support the minimization the total time attendance for a known number of ships available. For integrated problem solving, is used the metaheuristic Genetic Algorithm as search tool of solutions. The evaluation of each individual is made by deterministic simulation, replacing the objective function and is represented by port operations. To ensure feasibility of decisions that can be taken along the simulation, rules are employed. These rules represent operational constraints and thus translating, in computer terms, concepts associated with real events that characterize the port activities. The main advantage of this approach is to reduce the search space for solutions through the combination of the use of simulation as an evaluative function and rules as restrictions that does not allow infeasibility and avoiding large computational effort (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/05424-6 - Joint simulation and combinatorial optimization models to evaluate coal port operations
• Grantee: José Leonardo Takahashi
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master