An optimization model of construction operator-machine work assignments for burying pipeline engineering

It is essential for decision makers to systematically assign their avalibale manpower resource and machines in constructional engineering. In this research we employ mathematic programming techniques to develop an integer programming model of construction operator-machine work assignments, with the objective of minimizing the total cost, in an application of burying pipeline engineering. To demonstrate the model application and to preliminarily test the model in practice, we perform a case study using real operating data and compare the test results with that solved by an expert. The results indicate that the model is more effective and efficient than the convetional approach, showing that the model could be useful in practice.