Title: A genetic algorithm approach to a 3D container loading problem

Authors: Raul Pino; Isabel Fernandez; David De La Fuente; Nazario Garcia

Addresses: EPS Ingenieria de Gijon, Dpto. Administracion de Empresas, Universidad de Oviedo, Campus Viesques s/n 33204, Gijon, Asturias, Spain. ' EPS Ingenieria de Gijon, Dpto. Administracion de Empresas, Universidad de Oviedo, Campus Viesques s/n 33204, Gijon, Asturias, Spain. ' EPS Ingenieria de Gijon, Dpto. Administracion de Empresas, Universidad de Oviedo, Campus Viesques s/n 33204, Gijon, Asturias, Spain. ' EPS Ingenieria de Gijon, Dpto. Administracion de Empresas, Universidad de Oviedo, Campus Viesques s/n 33204, Gijon, Asturias, Spain

Abstract: Standardisation of transport means, such as containers, has a direct impact on the transportation efficiency sought by European transport policies. In this paper, we present a Genetic Algorithm (GA) application to the container-loading problem trying to maximise the cargo volume accommodated in the container whilst ensuring that loading restrictions are met, and thus achieving a reduction in the number of freight to hire and thereby a reduction in costs. We have also developed spatial representation software as aids to assist the container-loading process.

Keywords: container loading; optimisation; genetic algorithms; 3D visualisation; cargo volume; loading restrictions; spatial representation software.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2011.042628

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2011 Vol.10 No.2, pp.192 - 207

Published online: 06 May 2015 *

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