O planejamento de rotações de culturas é um tema de interesse em ascensão por permitir uma redução significativa no uso de adubos industriais, agrotóxicos e outros produtos químicos no cultivo, permitindo a auto-sustentação e qualidade das terras cultivadas. Este trabalho centraliza em utilizar rotações para atender uma demanda periódica prédeterminada, respeitando as restrições relativas a aspectos ecológicos que auxiliam na estabilidade geral do solo para definir uma rotação de culturas factível. Modelos matemáticos que consideram um tamanho mínimo de lote a ser usado por uma rotação e métodos heurísticos, baseados em geração de colunas, são apresentados. Uma análise detalhada do comportamento dos métodos perante variações em diferentes parâmetros e critérios é realizada. A primeira heurística, denominada Algoritmo GC-BC, obteve resultados de melhor qualidade e de forma mais rápida que a segunda heurística, denominada Heurística Lote Fixo. Entretanto, combinando ambas heurísticas foi possível obter os resultados mais satisfatórios, ou seja, soluções que respeitam a condição de lote mínimo em um tempo computacional aceitável para um planejamento anual, cujos valores são próximos a um limitante superior. A ideia subjacente de gerar colunas adicionais para um problema mestre restrito produz soluções de qualidade, o que pode vir a ser aplicado em outras áreas de pesquisa que necessitam da geração de colunas para uma resolução em tempo computacional viável / The crop rotation planning is a rising topic for providing a significative reduction on the usage of industrial fertilizers, pesticides and other chemical, allowing the soil to selfsustain. This study focus on using rotations to meet a periodic and pre-defined demand while ecologic restrictions, that help sustain the soils stability, define a valid crop rotation. Mathematical models that consider a minimum size of a used lot associated with a given rotation and heuristic resolution methods, based on column generation, are presented. A detailed analysis of the methods behaviour before changes on parameters and criteria is performed. The first heuristic, called GC-BC Algorithm, achieved better and faster results compared to the second heuristic, called Fixed Lot Heuristic. However, combining both heuristics produced even better results, that is, solutions that respect the minimum lot sizing restrictions in good execution time for an annual planning. The idea behind of generating additional columns to the restricted master problem produces good quality solutions, which may be applicable in other research areas that require column generation for their resolution with a reasonable execution time

Nas últimas décadas, diversas propostas de técnicas e de processos visando aumentar a sustentabilidade da agricultura ganharam evidência. Tais propostas geram novos modelos de planejamento em que devem ser considerados aspectos técnicos e ecológicos de produção, bem como o acesso de pequenos agricultores familiares ao mercado consumidor. Neste tipo de planejamento da produção, a rotação de culturas desempenha um papel fundamental, pois contribui para a manutenção dos recursos produtivos, para a minimização do uso de recursos não-renováveis e para o controle biológico da população de herbívoros, patógenos e plantas espontâneas. Nesta tese abordamos dois problemas de Programação de Rotação de Culturas (PRC) focados na produção de base sustentável de hortaliças: o problema de PRC com restrições de Adjacências (PRC-A) e o problema de PRC com atendimento da Demanda (PRC-D). O planejamento da produção de hortaliças é complexo pois envolve, em geral, um grande número de culturas com limitações específicas quanto à época de plantio e com períodos de cultivo e produtividades muito variáveis. A programação de rotação de culturas para as áreas de plantio é formulada como um modelo de otimização 01 e, para os dois problemas, em cada programação considera se tanto aspectos técnicos (época de plantio e colheita etc.) quanto ecológicos (adubação verde, pousio etc.). No problema PRC-A o objetivo é a maximização da ocupação das áreas produtivas em que as restrições de plantio são estendidas às áreas adjacentes. Como a formulação matemática para o problema tem, em geral, um número muito grande de restrições e variáveis, com matriz de restrições esparsa e bloco-diagonal, o modelo é reformulado com a Decomposição DantzigWolfe, o que permitiu sua resolução por procedimentos baseados em geração de colunas, heurísticos e exatos. No problema PRC-D desejase suprir a demanda de um conjunto de hortaliças tendo-se disponível um conjunto de áreas heterogêneas. As culturas passíveis de plantio, bem como as suas produtividades, dependem da área considerada. O problema foi formulado como um modelo de otimização linear em que cada variável está associada a uma programação de rotação de culturas. O modelo contém potencialmente um número grande de programações de rotação e é resolvido por geração de colunas. Experimentos computacionais usando instâncias baseadas em dados reais confirmam a eficácia dos modelos e das metodologias propostos para os problemas / Over the last decades, various proposals for techniques and processes to increase agricultural sustainability have been put forward. These proposals bring new planning models in which technical and ecological production aspects must be considered, as well as the access of small farmers to the consumer market. In this type of agricultural production planning, crop rotation plays a fundamental role as it contributes to maintaining productive resources, to reducing the use of non-renewable resources, and to biologically controlling the population of herbivores, pathogens and spontaneous plants. In this thesis, two problems concerning the Crop Rotation Schedule (CRS) focusing on sustainable production vegetables are addressed: the problem of the CRS having Adjacent constraints (CRS-A) and the problem of the CRS under Demand constraints (CRS-D). Production planning of vegetables is complex as it generally involves a large number of crop species having specific limitations regarding the planting season and very varied production times and productivity. The crop rotation schedule problem is formulated as an optimization model 0-1, and for both problems, in each schedule technical (planting and harvesting season etc.) and ecological (green manure, fallow etc.) aspects are considered. Concerning the CRS-A problem, the aim is to maximize the occupation of cropping areas in which planting constraints are extended to adjacent areas. As the mathematical formulation for the problem generally has a large number of restrictions and variables and the structure of the constraint matrix of the problem is sparse and block-diagonal, the model has been reformulated using the Dantzig-Wolfe Decomposition strategy, which has enabled the use of a heuristic and exact procedures based on the column generation approach for its resolution. In the CRS-D problem, the aim is to meet the market demands for vegetables having a set of heterogeneous cropping areas available. The potential planting crops, as well as their productivity, depend on the considered cropping area. The problem is formulated as an optimization linear model in which each variable is associated to a crop rotation schedule. The model may include a large number of rotation schedules and is solved by the column generation approach. Computational experiments using instances based on real-world data confirm the efficiency of models and methodologies proposed for the problems

This study considers a vehicle routing problem with time windows, accessibility restrictions on customers and a fleet that is heterogeneous with regard to capacity, average speed and cost. A vehicle can perform multiple routes per day, all starting and ending at a single depot, and it is assigned to a single driver, whose total work hours are limited. The available fleet is divided into an owned fleet, for which a variable cost is incurred, and a chartered fleet, for which only a fixed cost is incurred for each vehicle used. A column generation algorithm embedded in a branch-and-bound framework is proposed. The column generation pricing subproblem required a specific elementary shortest path problem with resource constraints algorithm to address the possibility for each vehicle performing multiple routes per day and to address the need to determine the workdays start time within the planning horizon. To make the algorithm efficient, a constructive heuristic and a learning metaheuristic algorithm based on tabu search were also developed. Both were used on branch-and-bound tree nodes to generate a good initial solution to the linear restricted master problem; particularly, to find a good initial primal bound to the branch-and-bound tree. / Este estudo aborda um problema de roteirização de veículos com janelas de tempo, restrições de acessibilidade nos clientes e uma frota que é heterogênea em relação à capacidade de carga, velocidade média de deslocamento e custo. Um veículo pode percorrer múltiplas rotas por dia, todas começando e terminando em um mesmo depósito, e está designado a um único motorista, cujo total de horas trabalhadas no dia está limitado a um valor máximo. A frota disponível é dividida em uma frota própria, para a qual um custo variável é incorrido, e uma frota de freteiros, para a qual apenas um custo fixo é incorrido para cada veículo utilizado. Um algoritmo baseado em geração de colunas, integrado a um procedimento de branch-and-bound, é proposto neste estudo. O subproblema de precificação da geração de colunas requereu um algoritmo específico para o problema do caminho mínimo elementar com restrições sobre recursos capaz de lidar com a possibilidade de cada veículo percorrer múltiplas rotas por dia e capaz de lidar com a necessidade de determinar o instante de início do dia de trabalho do motorista dentro do horizonte de planejamento. Para tornar o algoritmo eficiente, uma heurística construtiva e uma heurística de melhoria baseada em busca tabu também foram desenvolvidos. Ambos são utilizados nos nós da árvore de branch-and-bound para gerar boas soluções iniciais para o problema mestre restrito da geração de colunas; particularmente, para encontrar um bom limitante primal inicial para a árvore de branch-and-bound.

Este trabalho trata do problema de sequenciamento e programação de atividades em máquinas diferentes em paralelo, considerando elegibilidade de máquina, e tempo de liberação das máquinas e das atividades com o objetivo de minimizar o custo de atraso total. Tal problema é descrito pela literatura como NP-hard. Foi proposto um método otimizante que envolve modelagem matemática, um algoritmo de geração de colunas e, além disso, uma heurística para tratar problemas com instancias maiores. O algoritmo de geração de colunas é baseado no método proposto por Akker, Hurkens e Savelsbergh (2000), que foi adaptado para o problema de múltiplas máquinas diferentes. Assim, o método foi aplicado em instâncias da literatura e em instâncias geradas para este trabalho de até 25 atividades e 4 máquinas. Os resultados foram analisados e observou-se que o modelo de programação inteira mista e eficiente para encontrar limitantes superiores de boa qualidade. Por outro lado, o algoritmo de geração de colunas é eficiente para encontrar limitantes inferiores para o problema. Desta forma, o método proposto utiliza o modelo MILP e o algoritmo de geração de colunas de maneira a se complementar. Assim, soluções ótimas foram encontradas para 84% das instancias geradas, sendo que o GAP médio para as instancias restantes foi de 2,1%. A heurística proposta e baseada na ideia de heurística construtiva probabilística, que foi apresentada por Arcus (1965). Ela foi executada na massa de dados gerada, resultando em um GAP médio de 10,6%. / This paper deals with the problem of scheduling activities in unrelated parallel parallel, considering machine eligibility, and machine and activity release time in order to minimize total weighted tardiness.Such a problem is described in the literature as NPhard. It has been proposed an optimizing method that involves mathematical modeling and a column generation algorithm, in addition, it is proposed a heuristic to treat problems with larger instances. The column generation algorithm was based on the method proposed by Akker, Hurkens e Savelsbergh (2000), which has been adapted to the problem of multiple diferent machines. Thus, the method was applied in instances of the literature and in instances generated for this paper up to 25 jobs and 4 machines. The results were analyzed and it was noted that the mixed integer programming model is eficient to find good quality upper bounds. On the other hand, the column generation algorithm is eficient to find lower bounds for the problem. Therefore, the proposed method uses the MILP model and the column generation algorithm to complement each other. Thus, optimal solutions were found for 84 % of the generated instances, with the mean GAP for the remaining instances being 2.1 %. The proposed heuristic is based on the idea of probabilistic constructive heuristics, which was presented by Arcus (1965). It was run on the mass of data generated, resulting in an average GAP of 10,6%.

Este trabalho trata do problema de sequenciamento e programação de atividades em máquinas diferentes em paralelo, considerando elegibilidade de máquina, e tempo de liberação das máquinas e das atividades com o objetivo de minimizar o custo de atraso total. Tal problema é descrito pela literatura como NP-hard. Foi proposto um método otimizante que envolve modelagem matemática, um algoritmo de geração de colunas e, além disso, uma heurística para tratar problemas com instancias maiores. O algoritmo de geração de colunas é baseado no método proposto por Akker, Hurkens e Savelsbergh (2000), que foi adaptado para o problema de múltiplas máquinas diferentes. Assim, o método foi aplicado em instâncias da literatura e em instâncias geradas para este trabalho de até 25 atividades e 4 máquinas. Os resultados foram analisados e observou-se que o modelo de programação inteira mista e eficiente para encontrar limitantes superiores de boa qualidade. Por outro lado, o algoritmo de geração de colunas é eficiente para encontrar limitantes inferiores para o problema. Desta forma, o método proposto utiliza o modelo MILP e o algoritmo de geração de colunas de maneira a se complementar. Assim, soluções ótimas foram encontradas para 84% das instancias geradas, sendo que o GAP médio para as instancias restantes foi de 2,1%. A heurística proposta e baseada na ideia de heurística construtiva probabilística, que foi apresentada por Arcus (1965). Ela foi executada na massa de dados gerada, resultando em um GAP médio de 10,6%. / This paper deals with the problem of scheduling activities in unrelated parallel parallel, considering machine eligibility, and machine and activity release time in order to minimize total weighted tardiness.Such a problem is described in the literature as NPhard. It has been proposed an optimizing method that involves mathematical modeling and a column generation algorithm, in addition, it is proposed a heuristic to treat problems with larger instances. The column generation algorithm was based on the method proposed by Akker, Hurkens e Savelsbergh (2000), which has been adapted to the problem of multiple diferent machines. Thus, the method was applied in instances of the literature and in instances generated for this paper up to 25 jobs and 4 machines. The results were analyzed and it was noted that the mixed integer programming model is eficient to find good quality upper bounds. On the other hand, the column generation algorithm is eficient to find lower bounds for the problem. Therefore, the proposed method uses the MILP model and the column generation algorithm to complement each other. Thus, optimal solutions were found for 84 % of the generated instances, with the mean GAP for the remaining instances being 2.1 %. The proposed heuristic is based on the idea of probabilistic constructive heuristics, which was presented by Arcus (1965). It was run on the mass of data generated, resulting in an average GAP of 10,6%.

Dans ce document, nous étudions deux problèmes de sectorisation et proposons plusieurs méthodes de résolution exactes basées sur la décomposition de Dantzig-Wolfe et la génération de colonnes. Nous proposons deux modélisations en fonction de la manière d’appréhender l’objectif du problème qui consiste à obtenir des secteurs compacts. Pour chacune des modélisations, nous comparons des approches de résolution exactes basées sur des formulations compactes ou sur des formulations étendues obtenues par la décomposition de Dantzig-Wolfe. Le premier type de modèles proposé définit la fonction objectif à la manière d’un problème de p-median. Concernant les méthodes de résolution pour ce type de modèle, l’accent est mis sur l’accélération de la convergence de l’algorithme de génération de colonnes en mettant en place des techniques d’agrégation de contraintes afin de réduire la dégénérescence de l’algorithme du simplexe. Les expérimentations numériques montrent que la méthode d’agrégation de contraintes proposée permet effectivement de réduire le nombre d’itérations dégénérées. Cependant, elle ne suffit pas à accélérer l’algorithme de branch-and-price. Le choix d’utilisation de la formulation compacte ou de la formulation étendue dépend du type d’instances résolu. Le second type de modèles formule l’objectif d’une manière assez proche de celui des problèmes de p-centre. L’utilisation d’un tel objectif complexifie la résolution des sous-problèmes de génération de colonnes. L’accent est donc mis sur la conception d’algorithmes de branch-and-bound et de programmation dynamique pour les résoudre efficacement. Les expériences montrent que l’algorithme de branch-and-price surpasse les approches de résolution utilisant une formulation compacte du problème. / In this document, we study two districting problems and propose several exact methods, based on Dantzig-Wolfe decomposition and column generation, to solve them. For each model, we compare exact approaches based either on compact formulations or on extended formulations obtained using Dantzig-Wolfe decomposition. The first type of model that we propose defines the objective function in a p-median problem fashion. Regarding the methods used to solve that kind of model, we emphasize accelerating the convergence of the column generation algorithm by designing constraint aggregation techniques in order to reduce the degeneracy in the simplex algorithm. Numerical experiments show that this constraint aggregation method indeed reduces the proportion of degenerated iterations. However, it is not enough to speed up the branch-and-price algorithm. Choosing to tackle the problem through either a compact formulation or an extended formulation depends on the structure of the instances to solve. The second type of model formulates the objective function in a way quite similar to that of p-centre problems. Using such an objective function induces complex column generation subproblems. We focus on designing branch-and-bound and dynamic programming algorithms in order to solve them efficiently. Experiments show that the branch-and-price approach surpasses any proposed method based on compact formulations of the problem.

This thesis aims to implement a combination of Linear Programming Column Generation and a Large Neighbourhood Search heuristic to solve scheduling problems. The resulting method is named Integer Programming Column Search (IPCS). For computational evaluation, the IPCS method is applied to the problem Prize-Collecting Job Sequencing with One Common and Multiple Secondary Resources generalised to parallel identical machines. The interest of combining exact procedures with heuristic approaches is quickly growing since scheduling problems have many and complex real-world applications. Most of these problems are NP-hard and therefore very challenging to solve. By using a combination of heuristic strategies and exact procedures, it can be possible to find high-quality solutions to such problems within an acceptable time horizon. The IPCS method uses a greedy integer programming column generating problem introduced in a previous work. This problem is designed to generate columns that are useful in near-optimal integer solutions. A difference to previously introduced method is that we here build a master problem, an Integer Programming Column Search Master (IPCS-Master). This is used to update the dual solution that is provided to the greedy integer programming column generating problem. The computational performance of the IPCS method is evaluated on instances with 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100 jobs. The result shows that the combined design encourage the generation of columns that benefit the search of near-optimal integer solutions. The introduction of an IPCS-Master, which is used to update the dual variable values, generally leads to fewer pricing problem iterations than when no master problem is used.

<p>Nynas produces bitumen at two refineries in Sweden. The bitumen is shipped to seven depots along the swedish coast line, and from the depots special trucks handle the transportation to customers. Recently Nynas has transformed its supply chain and closed down a few depots. At the moment the company is considering a further reduction of the number of depots. In connection to these discussions an analyse of the companys distributionsystem and of possible changes is required. In this thesis an optimization model is developed that simulates Nynas distribution of bitumen from the depots to the customers. The model is used to investigate the required vehicle fleet size for a number of different scenarios, that is with different depots closed down. The question to be answered is, thus, what depots could be closed without any dramatic increase in the required vehicle fleet size? Scenarios where customers are allocated an increased storage capacity are also studied. </p><p>The distribution model that is developed is an inventory route planning problem. It is solved by column generation. Each column represents a route and is generated by a subproblem with restrictions on permitted working hours for the truck drivers. Integer solutions are generated heuristically. </p><p>Simulations that have been performed with the model reveals interesting differences concerning how the distribution is handled in different parts of Sweden. In western Sweden the transportation planning works well, but the distribution in the central parts of the country could be planned in a better way. Results from simulations also show that the depots in Norrköping and Västerås could be closed down without increasing the vehicle fleet. Probably, the existing vehicle fleet size will be sufficient even with the Kalmar-depot closed down. Nevertheless, Nynas transportation suppliers will have to purchase new vehicles if the Sandarne-depot is to be closed. </p><p>Another interesting conclusion that can be drawn from this thesis is that there is a potential for reducing the vehicle fleet size if the storage capacity is increased at a few chosen customers. A considerably small increase in the storage capacity at a few big customers that are located far from the depots will have a great effect.</p>

We define an order cutoff for a retailer as a time in the day such that orders sent to the depot before this point will be delivered by tomorrow, and orders submitted after will be delivered by the day after tomorrow. The later a retailer’s cutoff, the sooner it receives its orders which helps it to maintain ideal inventory levels. Generally, not all retailers in a supply chain can have the latest cutoff since transportation takes a significant amount of time. This thesis tries to assign optimal order cutoffs to retailers. We call this an order cutoff assignment problem and we solve it using three different mathematical programming approaches. The approaches are exhaustive route generation and selection, a series of mixed integer programs, and branch-and-price. 60 sample problems were solved and results showed that branch-and-price is often the most effective method.

Nynas produces bitumen at two refineries in Sweden. The bitumen is shipped to seven depots along the swedish coast line, and from the depots special trucks handle the transportation to customers. Recently Nynas has transformed its supply chain and closed down a few depots. At the moment the company is considering a further reduction of the number of depots. In connection to these discussions an analyse of the companys distributionsystem and of possible changes is required. In this thesis an optimization model is developed that simulates Nynas distribution of bitumen from the depots to the customers. The model is used to investigate the required vehicle fleet size for a number of different scenarios, that is with different depots closed down. The question to be answered is, thus, what depots could be closed without any dramatic increase in the required vehicle fleet size? Scenarios where customers are allocated an increased storage capacity are also studied. The distribution model that is developed is an inventory route planning problem. It is solved by column generation. Each column represents a route and is generated by a subproblem with restrictions on permitted working hours for the truck drivers. Integer solutions are generated heuristically. Simulations that have been performed with the model reveals interesting differences concerning how the distribution is handled in different parts of Sweden. In western Sweden the transportation planning works well, but the distribution in the central parts of the country could be planned in a better way. Results from simulations also show that the depots in Norrköping and Västerås could be closed down without increasing the vehicle fleet. Probably, the existing vehicle fleet size will be sufficient even with the Kalmar-depot closed down. Nevertheless, Nynas transportation suppliers will have to purchase new vehicles if the Sandarne-depot is to be closed. Another interesting conclusion that can be drawn from this thesis is that there is a potential for reducing the vehicle fleet size if the storage capacity is increased at a few chosen customers. A considerably small increase in the storage capacity at a few big customers that are located far from the depots will have a great effect.