• New algorithm could simplify decisions f

    From ScienceDaily@1:317/3 to All on Thu Apr 21 22:30:46 2022
    New algorithm could simplify decisions for ship channel dredging
    Research project suggests how resources can be optimized

    Date:
    April 21, 2022
    Source:
    University of Houston
    Summary:
    Every ship channel has to be dredged. With high costs involved, a
    dredging project's managers have to be on the money in their timing
    and logistics choices. A new algorithm presents decision-makers with
    accurate context, comparisons and boots-on-the ground observations.



    FULL STORY ==========================================================================
    A new decision-support tool could become a game changer in the dredging
    of ship channels. Millions of dollars are at stake every time a major
    ship channel is cleaned up. Delays in dredging can cost even more by
    triggering increased risks, repeated maintenance and lost revenue. In
    either case, the task cannot be put off indefinitely.


    ==========================================================================
    All ship channels must be regularly cleared of sand, debris settled
    on the bottom (called shoal) and miscellaneous trash. That means ship
    channel management regularly faces the mighty task of dredging. How
    do they make the wisest decisions with the best timing? "The quandary
    involves weighing factors for the optimal decision of channel dredging
    and disposal activities," said Zheyong Bian, assistant professor of construction management at the University of Houston College of Technology
    and the lead author of a study published in the journal Transportation
    Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review. "Some factors are
    static, like geographical features of navigation channels and confined
    disposal facilities.

    Others vary substantially, such as navigability condition deterioration (shoaling), traffic, economic values, annual budget and more." Bian,
    then a doctoral student at Rutgers University, The State University of
    New Jersey, collaborated with project leader Yun Bai from the Center
    for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT) at Rutgers, to
    develop a dredging planning optimization model (DPOM) and a dynamic prioritization planning (DPP) algorithm that factor in known variables,
    such as the volume of debris expected and availability of nearby confined disposal facilities. It also considers grouping phases of the project
    and how costs can be affected by interest rates and inflation.

    But -- this is a key advantage, Bian stressed -- the algorithm also holds
    the flexibility that weighs input from local professionals. In other
    words, it values boots-on-the-ground opinions and learns from experience.

    Once all factors are included, the algorithm suggests timing,
    prioritization and the grouping of projects. It also projects costs,
    with interest and inflation included, as well as monies likely to be
    recouped (through repurposing of sand, for example).

    In these days of tightened budgets, public funds are deployed with ever
    more care. The new DPOM model and DPP algorithm could strengthen cost efficiencies at ship channels around the world. The New Jersey Department
    of Transportation Office of Maritime Resources provided funding and data
    to support this study.


    ========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by University_of_Houston. Original
    written by Sally Strong.

    Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


    ========================================================================== Journal Reference:
    1. Zheyong Bian, Yun Bai, W. Scott Douglas, Ali Maher, Xiang
    Liu. Multi-year
    planning for optimal navigation channel dredging and
    dredged material management. Transportation Research Part E:
    Logistics and Transportation Review, 2022; 159: 102618 DOI:
    10.1016/j.tre.2022.102618 ==========================================================================

    Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/04/220421181210.htm

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