Several algorithms for finding a lower bound on the makespan for the Resource Constrained Project Scheduling Problem (RCPSP) were proposed in the literature. However, fast computable lower bounds usually do not provide the best estimations and the methods that obtain better bounds are mainly based on the cooperation between linear and constraint programming and therefore are time-consuming. In this paper, a new pseudo-polynomial algorithm is proposed to find a makespan lower bound for RCPSP with time-dependent resource capacities. Its idea is based on a consecutive evaluation of pairs of resources and their cumulated workload. Using the proposed algorithm, several bounds for the PSPLIB benchmark were improved. The results for industrial applications are also presented where the algorithm could provide good bounds even for very large problem instances.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.