Dr Robert Burdett

Dr Robert Burdett has significant experience performing research on ARC linkage projects. To date he has worked on six major projects: Production and assembly line scheduling (Volvo trucks), railway capacity analysis and train scheduling (QR), earthworks planning (SBENRC), bayesian statistics and remote sensing applications (DERM), health care planning, scheduling and capacity analysis (Princess Alexandra Hospital). Dr Robert Burdett has also worked as a simulation consultant for the mining -industry. - Project Descriptions and Outcomes

Truck Assembly: Sequencing, scheduling and resource allocation are necessary tasks in mixed model assembly operations Project Outcomes:

• Models and techniques were developed for resource constrained non serial mixed flow-shop sequencing and scheduling problems.
• Meta-heuristic techniques and constructive algorithms were implemented.
• A resource aggregation methodology was developed for improving efficiency and reducing idle time inefficiencies.
• A task redistribution methodology and solution techniques for improved sequencing and scheduling were developed.

Railway Capacity Analysis: The quantification of capacity in complex railway lines and networks is a complex task and is a controversial topic. Project Outcomes:

• A capacity analysis methodology was proposed for estimating the absolute traffic carrying ability of facilities over a wide range of defined operational conditions. The approaches are suitable for railway lines and networks with uni and or bi-directional traffic.
• A generic optimisation model was developed that incorporates train mixes, train lengths, dwell times, headways, signals, section occupation conditions, and networks.
• The optimisation model can be used to measure (quantify) the potential interaction affects that occur in railway networks between interrelated corridors.
• Capacity and pricing are two key issues for organizations involved with open track access regimes. A train access charging methodology was developed. Train access charging regimes include: corridor-based charges; section-based charges; weight-based charges; and time-based charges.
• A railway capacity analysis tool (RCAT) was developed.
• Railway capacity expansion methods were developed.

Train Scheduling: Train scheduling is a complex and time consuming task of vital importance. Project Outcomes:

• A job shop sequencing and scheduling framework
• Constructive algorithms and meta-heuristic techniques for sequencing and scheduling of trains in this new framework
• The identification of multiple overtaking conflicts and algorithms for their removal
• Techniques for the insertion of additional trains into existing schedules to minimise the disruption to existing services
• Techniques for scheduling trains on parallel rail lines separated by crossover points
• Techniques for quantifying the sensitivity of schedules to deviations and delays
• A train scheduling and optimisation platform

Earthworks Planning: Earthworks planning is vital in large scale linear infrastructure projects (such as road and rail) due to their size, complexity and cost. A strategic plan of earthworks is a description of what earth goes where, and is otherwise characterised as an assignment of cuts to fills.  A sequence of these pairings can be used to describe when each location is cut or filled over time. Project Outcomes:

• A block partitioning and modelling methodology
• Mathematical (i.e. block) models for cut-fill assignment
• A graph theoretic approach for integrated cut-fill assignment, sequencing and routing
• Dynamic objective criterion involving repeated solution of shortest path problems
• Parallelised algorithms for fast  computation
• 2D and 3D animations of earthwork solution
• Reduced fuel consumption, emissions and cost

Health Care: Health care systems (HCS) provide vital services to maintain people’s health and wellbeing. However in Australia and elsewhere, HCS are regularly described, for example in the media, as overworked and under resourced Project Outcomes:

• Robust scheduling techniques and bed partitioning strategies were developed for intensive care units, in order to manage elective patient admissions, and the stochastic arrival of acute patients in intensive care.
• A holistic hospital capacity determination model was developed.
• A flexible job shop sequencing and scheduling framework has been developed for hospitals.