Combining optimization and simulation tools for short-term planning of forest operations

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2014

Authors

Marques, AF (Author) Other; Jorge Pinho de Sousa (Author) FEUP; Roennqvist, M (Author) Other; Jafe, R (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research

Vol. 29

Pages: 166-177

ISSN: 0282-7581

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 12 Citations

Scopus - 12 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00A-0CH

DOI: 10.1080/02827581.2013.856937

Abstract (EN): The use of optimization techniques is well established in forest short-term planning and decision-making. Yet, existing techniques may pose some limitations for tackling with stochastic factors impacting in the execution of forest operations, such as delays, equipment breakdowns and other unexpected events. This paper explores the potential of using optimization techniques in combination with discrete-event simulation (DES) models for planning harvesting and logistics operations acknowledging uncertainty. DES models may be useful for assessing the performance and identifying bottlenecks associated with the execution of the deterministic plans retrieved with optimization techniques, when such stochastic events occur. This paper further presents an approach for the combination of a heuristic and a DES model developed in SIMIO. This approach was used to solve the raw material reception problem (RMRP) at a Portuguese pulp mill. This paper concludes with the analysis of the performance of deterministic schedules for the wood trucks considering uncertainty in their arrival at the mill.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 12