Modeling Multi-Modal Freight Transportation Network Performance Under Disruptions

This research project plans to build a data-driven freight transportation network model that incorporates an intermodal network and the assignment of commodity flows on each route. In the event of natural catastrophes or man-made disasters, part of the network will be closed or operated at a reduced capacity. A fluid-based dynamic queuing approximation is used to perform a quick and relatively accurate estimation of the delays at classification yards, ports, locks or intermodal terminals caused by such disruption in the network. By simulating commodity movements on the disrupted freight transportation network, the proposed network model enables (1) estimation of freight transportation network performance under disruptions; (2) evaluation of emergency response and recovery plans in the immediate aftermath; (3) information provision regarding alternative shipping route and mode for shippers, receivers and carriers; and (4) vulnerability and resiliency analysis of the freight transportation network, identification of the vulnerable links and development of proactive strategies. To demonstrate the operational effectiveness of the proposed modeling approach, a risk area and what-if scenarios will be generated. Vulnerability and resiliency analysis of the study area will be conducted. A set of emergency response and recovery plans will also be evaluated and compared in terms of delays, economic impacts and recovery time. Though the incident affects only a small area, the freight flows throughout the entire network might be impacted, which will be captured by the dynamic network modeling approach.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Completed
• Funding: $60000.00
• Contract Numbers:

  DTRT12-G-UTC07

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Research and Innovative Technology Administration

  University Transportation Centers Program
  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Performing Organizations:

  Iowa State University, Ames

  Institute for Transportation Studies
  2711 S. Loop Drive, Suite 4700, Program for Sustainable Pavement Engineering and Research (PROSPER)
  Ames, IA  United States  50010-8864
• Principal Investigators:

  Dong, Jing

• Start Date: 20130701
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 20141231
• Source Data: RiP Project 34770

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Detours; Disasters and emergency operations; Freight transportation; Intermodal terminals; Multimodal transportation; Service disruption
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Freight Transportation; Highways; Safety and Human Factors; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01487962
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Mid-America Transportation Center
• Contract Numbers: DTRT12-G-UTC07
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Jul 24 2013 1:01AM