Equipment selection is the core of earthwork allocation engineering

and reasonable equipment selection serves as an effective safeguard for construction cost

progress and quality of a project. This paper describes an enhanced whale optimization algorithm (E-WOA) coupled with AnyLogic simulation platform for optimizing the machinery configuration scheme efficiently. First

an optimization model with the minimum total cost and expense is developed by analyzing the earthwork allocation deployment process systematically. Then

an AnyLogic simulation platform is used to construct a simulation model based on multiple-agents

which comprehensively describes the interaction relationship and dynamic process between equipment (excavator

dump truck

bulldozer

and roller)

road

platform (unloading platform and parking platform)

and other entity elements. Finally

E-WOA is introduced to couple with AnyLogic

and a simulation controller is developed to control the coupled model for automatic solving of the optimization problem. Application to engineering case studies demonstrates that this method can lead to a time saving of 11.11% and a cost reduction of 27.34%

thereby offering valuable insights for the management of earthwork allocation deployment projects.