@misc{GamrathKochMaheretal.2016, author = {Gamrath, Gerald and Koch, Thorsten and Maher, Stephen J. and Rehfeldt, Daniel and Shinano, Yuji}, title = {SCIP-Jack - A solver for STP and variants with parallelization extensions}, issn = {1438-0064}, doi = {10.1007/s12532-016-0114-x}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0297-zib-60170}, year = {2016}, abstract = {The Steiner tree problem in graphs is a classical problem that commonly arises in practical applications as one of many variants. While often a strong relationship between different Steiner tree problem variants can be observed, solution approaches employed so far have been prevalently problem-specific. In contrast, this paper introduces a general-purpose solver that can be used to solve both the classical Steiner tree problem and many of its variants without modification. This versatility is achieved by transforming various problem variants into a general form and solving them by using a state-of-the-art MIP-framework. The result is a high-performance solver that can be employed in massively parallel environments and is capable of solving previously unsolved instances.}, language = {en} } @misc{BorndoerferArslanElijazyferetal.2016, author = {Bornd{\"o}rfer, Ralf and Arslan, Oytun and Elijazyfer, Ziena and G{\"u}ler, Hakan and Renken, Malte and Sahin, G{\"u}venc and Schlechte, Thomas}, title = {Line Planning on Path Networks with Application to the Istanbul Metrob{\"u}s}, issn = {1438-0064}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0297-zib-60119}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Bus rapid transit systems in developing and newly industrialized countries often consist of a trunk with a path topology. On this trunk, several overlapping lines are operated which provide direct connections. The demand varies heavily over the day, with morning and afternoon peaks typically in reverse directions. We propose an integer programming model for this problem, derive a structural property of line plans in the static (or single period) ``unimodal demand'' case, and consider approaches to the solution of the multi-period version that rely on clustering the demand into peak and off-peak service periods. An application to the Metrob{\"u}s system of Istanbul is discussed.}, language = {en} } @misc{FischerSchlechte2015, author = {Fischer, Frank and Schlechte, Thomas}, title = {Comparing two dual relaxations of large scale train timetabling problems}, issn = {1438-0064}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0297-zib-56068}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Railway transportation and in particular train timetabling is one of the basic and source application areas of combinatorial optimization and integer programming. We will discuss two well established modeling techniques for the train timetabling problem. In this paper we focus on one major ingredient - the bounding by dual relaxations. We compare two classical dual relaxations of large scale time expanded train timetabling problems - the Lagrangean Dual and Lagrangean Decomposition. We discuss the convergence behavior and show limitations of the Lagrangean Decomposition approach for a configuration based model. We introduce a third dualization approach to overcome those limitations. Finally, we present promising preliminary computational experiments that show that our new approach indeed has superior convergence properties.}, language = {en} } @misc{BreuerBussieckCaoetal.2017, author = {Breuer, Thomas and Bussieck, Michael and Cao, Karl-Kien and Cebulla, Felix and Fiand, Frederik and Gils, Hans Christian and Gleixner, Ambros and Khabi, Dmitry and Koch, Thorsten and Rehfeldt, Daniel and Wetzel, Manuel}, title = {Optimizing Large-Scale Linear Energy System Problems with Block Diagonal Structure by Using Parallel Interior-Point Methods}, issn = {1438-0064}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-89920-6_85}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0297-zib-66183}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Current linear energy system models (ESM) acquiring to provide sufficient detail and reliability frequently bring along problems of both high intricacy and increasing scale. Unfortunately, the size and complexity of these problems often prove to be intractable even for commercial state-of-the-art linear programming solvers. This article describes an interdisciplinary approach to exploit the intrinsic structure of these large-scale linear problems to be able to solve them on massively parallel high-performance computers. A key aspect are extensions to the parallel interior-point solver PIPS-IPM originally developed for stochastic optimization problems. Furthermore, a newly developed GAMS interface to the solver as well as some GAMS language extensions to model block-structured problems will be described.}, language = {en} } @misc{RehfeldtKoch2018, author = {Rehfeldt, Daniel and Koch, Thorsten}, title = {SCIP-Jack—a solver for STP and variants with parallelization extensions: An update}, issn = {1438-0064}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0297-zib-66416}, year = {2018}, abstract = {The Steiner tree problem in graphs is a classical problem that commonly arises in practical applications as one of many variants. Although the different Steiner tree problem variants are usually strongly related, solution approaches employed so far have been prevalently problem-specific. Against this backdrop, the solver SCIP-Jack was created as a general-purpose framework that can be used to solve the classical Steiner tree problem and 11 of its variants. This versatility is achieved by transforming various problem variants into a general form and solving them by using a state-of-the-art MIP-framework. Furthermore, SCIP-Jack includes various newly developed algorithmic components such as preprocessing routines and heuristics. The result is a high-performance solver that can be employed in massively parallel environments and is capable of solving previously unsolved instances. After the introduction of SCIP-Jack at the 2014 DIMACS Challenge on Steiner problems, the overall performance of the solver has considerably improved. This article provides an overview on the current state.}, language = {en} } @misc{WaltherHillerSaitenmacher2017, author = {Walther, Tom and Hiller, Benjamin and Saitenmacher, Ren{\´e}}, title = {Polyhedral 3D Models for compressors in gas networks}, issn = {1438-0064}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0297-zib-65864}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Compressor machines are crucial elements in a gas transmission network, required to compensate for the pressure loss caused by friction in the pipes. Modelling all physical and technical details of a compressor machine involves a large amount of nonlinearity, which makes it hard to use such models in the optimization of large-scale gas networks. In this paper, we are going to describe a modelling approach for the operating range of a compressor machine, starting from a physical reference model and resulting in a polyhedral representation in the 3D space of mass flow throughput as well as in- and outlet pressure.}, language = {en} } @misc{SchadeBorndoerferBreueretal.2017, author = {Schade, Stanley and Bornd{\"o}rfer, Ralf and Breuer, Matthias and Grimm, Boris and Reuther, Markus and Schlechte, Thomas and Siebeneicher, Patrick}, title = {Pattern Detection For Large-Scale Railway Timetables}, issn = {1438-0064}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0297-zib-63390}, year = {2017}, abstract = {We consider railway timetables of our industrial partner DB Fernverkehr AG that operates the ICE high speed trains in the long-distance passenger railway network of Germany. Such a timetable covers a whole year with 364 days and, typically, includes more than 45,000 trips. A rolling stock rotation plan is not created for the whole timetable at once. Instead the timetable is divided into regular invariant sections and irregular deviations (e.g. for public holidays). A separate rotation plan with a weekly period can then be provided for each of the different sections of the timetable. We present an algorithmic approach to automatically recognize these sections. Together with the supplementing visualisation of the timetable this method has shown to be very relevant for our industrial partner.}, language = {en} } @misc{GilgKlugMartienssenetal.2017, author = {Gilg, Brady and Klug, Torsten and Martienssen, Rosemarie and Paat, Joseph and Schlechte, Thomas and Schulz, Christof and Seymen, Sinan and Tesch, Alexander}, title = {Conflict-Free Railway Track Assignment at Depots}, issn = {1438-0064}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0297-zib-63843}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Managing rolling stock with no passengers aboard is a critical component of railway operations. In particular, one problem is to park the rolling stock on a given set of tracks at the end of a day or service. Depending on the parking assignment, shunting may be required in order for a parked train to depart or for an incoming train to park. Given a collection of tracks M and a collection of trains T with fixed arrival-departure timetable, the train assignment problem (TAP) is to determine the maximum number of trains from T that can be parked on M according to the timetable and without the use of shunting. Hence, efficiently solving the TAP allows to quickly compute feasible parking schedules that do not require further shunting adjustments. In this paper, we present two integer programming models for solving the TAP. To our knowledge, this is the first integrated approach that considers track lengths along with the three most common types of parking tracks. We compare these models on a theoretical level. We also prove that a decision version of the TAP is NP-complete, justifying the use of integer programming techniques. Using stochastic and robust modelling techniques, both models produce parking assignments that are optimized and robust according to random train delays. We conclude with computational results for both models, observing that they perform well on real timetables.}, language = {en} } @misc{BorndoerferReutherSchlechte2014, author = {Bornd{\"o}rfer, Ralf and Reuther, Markus and Schlechte, Thomas}, title = {A Coarse-To-Fine Approach to the Railway Rolling Stock Rotation Problem}, issn = {1438-0064}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0297-zib-51009}, year = {2014}, abstract = {We propose a new coarse-to-fine approach to solve certain linear programs by column generation. The problems that we address contain layers corresponding to different levels of detail, i.e., coarse layers as well as fine layers. These layers are utilized to design efficient pricing rules. In a nutshell, the method shifts the pricing of a fine linear program to a coarse counterpart. In this way, major decisions are taken in the coarse layer, while minor details are tackled within the fine layer. We elucidate our methodology by an application to a complex railway rolling stock rotation problem. We provide comprehensive computational results that demonstrate the benefit of this new technique for the solution of large scale problems.}, language = {en} } @misc{BorndoerferKarbsteinMehrgardtetal.2014, author = {Bornd{\"o}rfer, Ralf and Karbstein, Marika and Mehrgardt, Julika and Reuther, Markus and Schlechte, Thomas}, title = {The Cycle Embedding Problem}, issn = {1438-0064}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-28697-6_65}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0297-zib-52788}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Given two hypergraphs, representing a fine and a coarse "layer", and a cycle cover of the nodes of the coarse layer, the cycle embedding problem (CEP) asks for an embedding of the coarse cycles into the fine layer. The CEP is NP-hard for general hypergraphs, but it can be solved in polynomial time for graphs. We propose an integer rogramming formulation for the CEP that provides a complete escription of the CEP polytope for the graphical case. The CEP comes up in railway vehicle rotation scheduling. We present computational results for problem instances of DB Fernverkehr AG that justify a sequential coarse-first-fine-second planning approach.}, language = {en} } @misc{HillerWalther2018, author = {Hiller, Benjamin and Walther, Tom}, title = {Modelling compressor stations in gas networks}, issn = {1438-0064}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0297-zib-67443}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Gas networks are an important application area for optimization. When considering long-range transmission, compressor stations play a crucial role in these applications. The purpose of this report is to collect and systematize the models used for compressor stations in the literature. The emphasis is on recent work on simple yet accurate polyhedral models that may replace more simplified traditional models without increasing model complexity. The report also describes an extension of the compressor station data available in GasLib (http://gaslib.zib.de/) with the parameters of these models.}, language = {en} } @misc{BorndoerferOmontSagnoletal.2012, author = {Bornd{\"o}rfer, Ralf and Omont, Bertrand and Sagnol, Guillaume and Swarat, Elmar}, title = {A Stackelberg game to optimize the distribution of controls in transportation networks}, issn = {1438-0064}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-642-35582-0_17}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0297-zib-14995}, year = {2012}, abstract = {We propose a game theoretic model for the spatial distribution of inspectors on a transportation network. The problem is to spread out the controls so as to enforce the payment of a transit toll. We formulate a linear program to find the control distribution which maximizes the expected toll revenue, and a mixed integer program for the problem of minimizing the number of evaders. Furthermore, we show that the problem of finding an optimal mixed strategy for a coalition of \$N\$ inspectors can be solved efficiently by a column generation procedure. Finally, we give experimental results from an application to the truck toll on German motorways.}, language = {en} } @misc{BorndoerferSagnolSchwartz2015, author = {Bornd{\"o}rfer, Ralf and Sagnol, Guillaume and Schwartz, Stephan}, title = {An Extended Network Interdiction Problem for Optimal Toll Control}, issn = {1438-0064}, doi = {10.1016/j.endm.2016.03.040}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0297-zib-55405}, year = {2015}, abstract = {We study an extension of the shortest path network interdiction problem and present a novel real-world application in this area. We consider the problem of determining optimal locations for toll control stations on the arcs of a transportation network. We handle the fact that drivers can avoid control stations on parallel secondary roads. The problem is formulated as a mixed integer program and solved using Benders decomposition. We present experimental results for the application of our models to German motorways.}, language = {en} } @misc{Hendel2015, author = {Hendel, Gregor}, title = {Exploiting Solving Phases for Mixed-Integer Programs}, issn = {1438-0064}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-319-42902-1_1}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0297-zib-57098}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Modern MIP solving software incorporates dozens of auxiliary algorithmic components for supporting the branch-and-bound search in finding and improving solutions and in strengthening the relaxation. Intuitively, a dynamic solving strategy with an appropriate emphasis on different solving components and strategies is desirable during the search process. We propose an adaptive solver behavior that dynamically reacts on transitions between the three typical phases of a MIP solving process: The first phase objective is to find a feasible solution. During the second phase, a sequence of incumbent solutions gets constructed until the incumbent is eventually optimal. Proving optimality is the central objective of the remaining third phase. Based on the MIP-solver SCIP, we demonstrate the usefulness of the phase concept both with an exact recognition of the optimality of a solution, and provide heuristic alternatives to make use of the concept in practice.}, language = {en} } @misc{PfeufferWerner2015, author = {Pfeuffer, Frank and Werner, Axel}, title = {Adaptive telecommunication network operation with a limited number of reconfigurations}, issn = {1438-0064}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0297-zib-55547}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Rising traffic in telecommunication networks lead to rising energy costs for the network operators. Meanwhile, increased flexibility of the networking hardware may help to realize load-adaptive operation of the networks to cut operation costs. To meet network operators' concerns over stability, we propose to switch network configurations only a limited number of times per day. We present a method for the integrated computation of optimal switching times and network configurations that alternatingly solves mixed-integer programs and constrained shortest cycle problems in a certain graph. Similarly to the Branch \& Bound Algorithm, it uses lower and upper bounds on the optimum value and allows for pivoting strategies to guide the computation and avoid the solution of irrelevant subproblems. The algorithm can act as a framework to be adapted and applied to suitable problems of different origin.}, language = {en} } @misc{BertholdHendelKoch2016, author = {Berthold, Timo and Hendel, Gregor and Koch, Thorsten}, title = {The Three Phases of MIP Solving}, issn = {1438-0064}, doi = {10.1080/10556788.2017.1392519}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0297-zib-61607}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Modern MIP solvers employ dozens of auxiliary algorithmic components to support the branch-and-bound search in finding and improving primal solutions and in strengthening the dual bound. Typically, all components are tuned to minimize the average running time to prove optimality. In this article, we take a different look at the run of a MIP solver. We argue that the solution process consists of three different phases, namely achieving feasibility, improving the incumbent solution, and proving optimality. We first show that the entire solving process can be improved by adapting the search strategy with respect to the phase-specific aims using different control tunings. Afterwards, we provide criteria to predict the transition between the individual phases and evaluate the performance impact of altering the algorithmic behavior of the MIP solver SCIP at the predicted phase transition points.}, language = {en} } @misc{HillerKochScheweetal.2017, author = {Hiller, Benjamin and Koch, Thorsten and Schewe, Lars and Schwarz, Robert and Schweiger, Jonas}, title = {A System to Evaluate Gas Network Capacities: Concepts and Implementation}, issn = {1438-0064}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0297-zib-61931}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Since 2005, the gas market in the European Union is liberalized and the trading of natural gas is decoupled from its transport. The transport is done by so-called transmissions system operators or TSOs. The market model established by the European Union views the gas transmission network as a black box, providing shippers (gas traders and consumers) the opportunity to transport gas from any entry to any exit. TSOs are required to offer maximum independent capacities at each entry and exit such that the resulting gas flows can be realized by the network without compromising security of supply. Therefore, evaluating the available transport capacities is extremely important to the TSOs. This paper gives an overview of the toolset for evaluating gas network capacities that has been developed within the ForNe project, a joint research project of seven research partners initiated by Open Grid Europe, Germany's biggest TSO. While most of the relevant mathematics is described in the book "Evaluating Gas Network Capacities", this article sketches the system as a whole, describes some developments that have taken place recently, and gives some details about the current implementation.}, language = {en} } @misc{AhmadiGritzbachLundNguyenetal.2015, author = {Ahmadi, Sepideh and Gritzbach, Sascha F. and Lund-Nguyen, Kathryn and McCullough-Amal, Devita}, title = {Rolling Stock Rotation Optimization in Days of Strike: An Automated Approach for Creating an Alternative Timetable}, issn = {1438-0064}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0297-zib-56425}, year = {2015}, abstract = {The operation of a railway network as large as Deutsche Bahn's Intercity Express (ICE) hinges on a number of factors, such as the availability of personnel and the assignment of physical vehicles to a timetable schedule, a problem known as the rolling stock rotation problem (RSRP). In this paper, we consider the problem of creating an alternative timetable in the case that there is a long-term disruption, such as a strike, and the effects that this alternative timetable has on the resulting vehicle rotation plan. We define a priority measure via the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to determine the importance of each trip in the timetable and therefore which trips to cancel or retain. We then compare our results with those of a limited timetable manually designed by Deutsche Bahn (DB). We find that while our timetable results in a more expensive rotation plan, its flexibility lends itself to a number of simple improvements. Furthermore, our priority measure has the potential to be integrated into the rolling stock rotation optimization process, in particular, the Rotation Optimizer for Railways (ROTOR) software, via the cost function. Ultimately, our method provides the foundation for an automated way of creating a new timetable quickly, and potentially in conjunction with a new rotation plan, in the case of a limited scenario.}, language = {en} } @misc{LeitnerLjubicSinnletal.2015, author = {Leitner, Markus and Ljubic, Ivana and Sinnl, Markus and Werner, Axel}, title = {Two algorithms for solving 3-objective k-ArchConFL and IPs in general}, issn = {1438-0064}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0297-zib-56259}, year = {2015}, abstract = {We present two algorithms to solve a 3-objective optimization problem arising in telecommunications access network planning, the k-Architecture Connected Facility Location Problem. The methods can also be used to solve any 3-objective integer linear programming model and can be extended to the multiobjective case. We give some exemplary computations using small and medium-sized instances for our problem.}, language = {en} } @misc{WessaelyWernerEckeletal.2012, author = {Wess{\"a}ly, Roland and Werner, Axel and Eckel, Klaus and Seibel, Julia and Orlowski, Sebastian and Louchet, Hadrien and Patzak, Erwin and Bentz, Winfried}, title = {Sch{\"a}tze heben bei der Planung von FTTx-Netzen: optimierte Nutzung von existierenden Leerrohren - eine Praxisstudie}, issn = {1438-0064}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0297-zib-14861}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Das vom BMBF gef{\"o}rderte Projekt FTTX-PLAN entwickelt mathematische Modelle und Optimierungsverfahren, um automatisiert kostenoptimierte FTTx-Netze berechnen zu k{\"o}nnen. Wir zeigen anhand einer Praxisstudie in Zusammenarbeit mit der Regensburger R-KOM, wie ein Planer von diesen Verfahren profitieren kann, um die Auswirkungen bestimmter Entscheidungen auf die Netzstruktur und -kosten zu untersuchen. Wir illustrieren dies am Beispiel eines FTTB/FTTH-Vergleichs, der Variation von Kundenanbindungsraten und der gezielten Ausnutzung existierender Leerrohre, um Tiefbau zu vermeiden.}, language = {de} } @misc{Werner2012, author = {Werner, Axel}, title = {Kombinatorische Optimierung und die 40-Punkte-Regel}, issn = {1438-0064}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0297-zib-14871}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Wieviele Punkte braucht eine Mannschaft in der Fußball-Bundesliga mindestens, um sicher dem Abstieg zu entgehen? Wir benutzen kombinatorische Optimierung, um diese und {\"a}hnliche Fragen zu beantworten.}, language = {de} }