Journals / Turkish Journal of Engineering and Environmental Sciences / 2009 / Cilt: 33 - Sayı: 2

Optimization of vertical alignment of highways utilizing discrete dynamic programming and weighted ground line

Pages
105–116
DOI
—

Abstract

Earthwork optimization plays an important role for reducing the total cost of highway projects. Weighted Ground Line Method (WGLM) is an earthwork optimization technique based on a hypothetical ground line balancing cut-fill volumes and minimizing the total amount of earthwork. Current form of the method describes only a hypothetical reference line guiding project engineers to locate the optimal roadway for the fixed horizontal alignment. Therefore, there are numerous grade line alternatives available for a given Weighted Ground Line. The aim of this study is to present a method to integrate discrete dynamic programming with WGLM to achieve the best vertical alignment of highways in terms of earthwork optimization.

Özet

Earthwork optimization plays an important role for reducing the total cost of highway projects. Weighted Ground Line Method (WGLM) is an earthwork optimization technique based on a hypothetical ground line balancing cut-fill volumes and minimizing the total amount of earthwork. Current form of the method describes only a hypothetical reference line guiding project engineers to locate the optimal roadway for the fixed horizontal alignment. Therefore, there are numerous grade line alternatives available for a given Weighted Ground Line. The aim of this study is to present a method to integrate discrete dynamic programming with WGLM to achieve the best vertical alignment of highways in terms of earthwork optimization.

Keywords: Highway alignment; Earthwork; Optimization; Grade line, Dynamic programming.