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

Authors: A. BURAK GÖKTEPE, SELİM ALTUN, PERVİZ AHMEDZADE

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.

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

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