Open AccessComparison of spreadsheet-based optimization tools applied to construction site layout problem
Author(s) -
Borna Dasović,
Uroš Klanšek
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
iop conference series. materials science and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1757-899X
pISSN - 1757-8981
DOI - 10.1088/1757-899x/1209/1/012010
Subject(s) - solver , computer science , variety (cybernetics) , optimization problem , tower crane , industrial engineering , engineering drawing , engineering , algorithm , programming language , artificial intelligence , structural engineering
This paper compares different spreadsheet-based optimization tools applied to a practical example of a construction site layout problem. The objective of the optimization is to minimize the total time of material transportation by optimal positioning of tower crane and work facilities on the construction site with repetitive operations. Computer programs, such as MS Excel, LibreOffice Calc, and Google Sheets can be applied as modeling tools for a variety of construction optimization problems in addition to their usual functionalities. In this study, LibreOffice Calc Solver, MS Excel Solver, along with other MS Excel add-ins, i.e., OpenSolver, Evolver, and What’sBest, are analyzed. The capabilities of optimization tools mentioned above are examined on the problem of optimal positioning of tower crane and work facilities on the construction site. The results obtained by optimization tools are noted and discussed. The paper ends with conclusions and recommendations for further research.