Optimizing earthmoving job planning based on evaluation of temporary haul road networks design for mass earthworks projects

As a critical component of planning mass earthworks projects, designing effective haul road networks is conducive to delivering the project on time and under budget. The research reported in this paper proposes a grid-based temporary road network design method applicable to a site for which grading design has been completed. Further adding to the existing body of knowledge, a quantitative methodology is proposed for optimizing the detailed planning of earthmoving jobs based on a particular temporary haul road network design. Each job is defined in terms of the source cell, the destination cell, the earth volume, and the shortest-hauling-time path between source and destination. Through seamless integration of the Floyd-Warshall algorithm and linear programming model, the shortest average haul time for a truckload can be obtained while automatically fulfilling site grading design specifications. Based on the resulting average haul time, cost equations are defined to account for (1) the direct truck-hauling crew cost; and (2) building, maintenance, and removal costs of temporary haul roads. As such, the cost associated with executing the optimized earthmoving job plan over a particular haul road network design can be readily assessed, making it straightforward for project managers to compare alternatives. The proposed methodology is demonstrated in steps using a numerical example and further applied in a case study based on a real-world project in northern Alberta.