Abstract
The paper characterises a class of problems for packing boxes in the container. It presents the current state of knowledge in this area and distinguishes evolutionary algorithms, as the most promising in the search for quasi-optimal loading conditions. The method proposed in the paper focuses on certain criteria important from a practical point of view, which in a formalised manner have not been included so far in the solving-problems models. Apart from the traditional consideration of the problem of three-dimensional space loading maximisation, the proposed method considers the deviation of the loaded container weight centre from its symmetry planes and the availability of packages during unloading. New elements in the described method are: the applied criteria, penalty function, way of coding the container loading state in the evolutionary algorithm and fast crossover and mutations operators dedicated to the adopted coding. It was observed that the evolution in the developed algorithm occurs properly, that is seeking to minimise the criteria. The article also includes a calculation example showing the effect of the method with the discussion of the results indicating the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed solution. The performance of the algorithm has been considered in the context of time necessary to obtain the acceptable solution and quality of the obtained solution. It was found that the algorithm in its current form is a strong base for its further improvement.
Highlights
The containerization of cargo has an extremely important role in transporting cargos on the national, European and global arena
Solving the problem of loading the three-dimensional space is based on the most effective use of the considered space, with a previously defined set of boxes. 3D bin packing problem (3D-BPP) is characterised by a large complexity increasing with the number of boxes and it is included in a group of NP-difficult problems (Bożejko et al 2014; George & Robinson, 1980)
An important factor may include the order in which the boxes should be delivered to different points, because the way of packing the container can impact the performance of the unloading process.3D-BPPtend to be considered with multi-vehicle routing problems (MVRP)
Summary
The containerization of cargo has an extremely important role in transporting cargos on the national, European and global arena. In addition to the problem, popular among researchers, of maximising the use of the cargo space of the container, the issues of distributing the cargo within the container are important This problem can affect both the arrangement of weight of the packed boxes, and their availability during the unloading operations. The even weight arrangement of goods inside the container is extremely important from the point of view of safety It allows the reduction of risk, resulting from the lack of stability and the possible tilting of containers, during cargo handling operations, and in the transport process. An important factor may include the order in which the boxes should be delivered to different points, because the way of packing the container can impact the performance of the unloading process.3D-BPPtend to be considered with multi-vehicle routing problems (MVRP). An individual population is represented by a matrix, which contains information about the coordinates and the arrangement in the Euclidean space of all boxes from the given set (Fig. 1)
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