This paper presents a multi-population biased random-key genetic algorithm (BRKGA) for the Single Container Loading Problem (CLP) where several rectangular boxes of different sizes are loaded into a single rectangular container. The approach uses a maximal-space representation to manage the free spaces in the container. The proposed algorithm hybridizes a novel placement procedure with a … Read more
We address a 1-dimensional cutting stock problem where, in addition to trim-loss minimization, we require that the set of cutting patterns forming the solution can be sequenced so that the number of stacks of parts maintained open throughout the process never exceeds a given $s$. For this problem, we propose a new integer linear programming … Read more
We consider a complex planning problem in integrated steel production. A sequence of coils of sheet metal needs to be color coated in consecutive stages. Di erent coil geometries and changes of coatings may necessitate time-consuming setup work. In most coating stages one can choose between two parallel color tanks in order to reduce setup times. … Read more
This work deals with the Vehicle Routing Problem with Simultaneous Pickup and Delivery (VRPSPD). We propose undirected and directed two-commodity flow formulations, which are based on the one developed by Baldacci, Hadjiconstantinou and Mingozzi for the Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem. These new formulations are theoretically compared with the one-commodity flow formulation proposed by Dell’Amico, Righini … Read more
We consider a multi-product newsvendor under the law-invariant coherent risk measures. We first establish a few fundamental properties of the model regarding the convexity of the problem, the symmetry of the solution and the impact of risk aversion. Specifically, we show that for identical products with independent demands, increased risk aversion leads to decreased orders. … Read more
This paper presents a biased random-keys genetic algorithm for the Resource Constrained Project Scheduling Problem. The chromosome representation of the problem is based on random keys. Active schedules are constructed using a priority-rule heuristic in which the priorities of the activities are defined by the genetic algorithm. A forward-backward improvement procedure is applied to all … Read more
This paper addresses a constrained two-dimensional (2D), non-guillotine restricted, packing problem, where a fixed set of small rectangles has to be packed into a larger stock rectangle so as to maximize the value of the rectangles packed. The algorithm we propose hybridizes a novel placement procedure with a genetic algorithm based on random keys. We … Read more
An important field of application of non-smooth optimization refers to decomposition of large-scale or complex problems by Lagrangian duality. In this setting, the dual problem consists in maximizing a concave non-smooth function that is defined as the sum of sub-functions. The evaluation of each sub-function requires solving a specific optimization sub-problem, with specific computational complexity. … Read more
This paper studies location routing and scheduling problems, a class of problems in which the decisions of facility location, vehicle routing, and route assignment are optimized simultaneously. For a version with capacity and time restrictions, two formulations are presented, one graph-based and one set-partitioning-based. For the set-partitioning-based formulation, valid inequalities are identified and their effectiveness … Read more
Progressive hedging (PH) is a scenario-based decomposition technique for solving stochastic programs. While PH has been successfully applied to a number of problems, a variety of issues arise when implementing PH in practice, especially when dealing with very difficult or large-scale mixed-integer problems. In particular, decisions must be made regarding the value of the penalty … Read more