PURPOSES : This study aims to develop an algorithm to solve the user equilibrium traffic assignment problem using soft link capacity constraints. This model is used to relax the hard capacity constraints model. METHODS : In the traffic assignment model that imposes the hard capacity constraints, the well-known solution algorithms used are the augmented Lagrange multiplier method and the inner penalty function method. The major drawback of using the hard-capacity constraint model is the feasible solution issue. If the capacities in the network are not sufficient to absorb the flow from the diverged flows through the hard capacity constraints, it might result in no solution; whereas, using a soft capacity constraint model guarantees a feasible solution because the soft capacity constraint model uses the penalization of constraint violation in the objective function. In this study, the gradient projection (GP) algorithm was adapted. RESULTS : Two numerical experiments were conducted to demonstrate the features of the soft capacity constraint model and the computational performance of the solution algorithm. The results revealed that imposing the soft link capacity constraints can ensure convergence. CONCLUSIONS : The proposed model can be easily extended by considering other traffic assignment models, for e.g., non-additive traffic equilibrium problem, stochastic traffic equilibrium model, and, elastic demand traffic equilibrium problem. Furthermore, the model can exist regardless of the sufficient capacity for each O-D pair to cater to their demands.

In this study, we consider the assembly line balancing (ALB) problem which is known as an very important decision dealing with the optimal design of assembly lines. We consider ALB problems with soft constraints which are expected to be fulfilled, however they are not necessarily to be satisfied always and they are difficult to be presented in exact quantitative forms. In previous studies, most researches have dealt with hard constraints which should be satisfied at all time in ALB problems. In this study, we modify the mixed integer programming model of the problem introduced in the existing study where the problem was first considered. Based on the modified model, we propose a new algorithm using the genetic algorithm (GA). In the algorithm, new features like, a mixed initial population selection method composed of the random selection method and the elite solutions of the simple ALB problem, a fitness evaluation method based on achievement ratio are applied. In addition, we select the genetic operators and parameters which are appropriate for the soft assignment constraints through the preliminary tests. From the results of the computational experiments, it is shown that the proposed algorithm generated the solutions with the high achievement ratio of the soft constraints.