Modeling transport process using time couplings methods

Abstract

The paper concerns operational research and in particular problems of scheduling transport projects (ships traffic synchronization on inland waterways). The optimization issue presented by authors concerns in particular: the maximization of use the limiting locks (bottlenecks), i.e. scheduling ships to be in front of the lock when it is ready for lockage (shown on basis of Gliwice Canal). The basic problem is the synchronization of two-way vessel traffic on a limited section. The research, for calculation model, developed the Time Couplings Methods (TCM). Due to the computational complexity a deterministic approach to research was adopted. Time Couplings Methods TCM base on internal time connections between transport processes and sectors (waterway sections, locks), taking into account resource constraints (e.g. types of ships) and technical (capacity of locks). Scheduling of transport processes (ship traffic on canalized waterway) with the use of time couplings, consists in synchronizing the cruise, i.e. determining the start and end of the cruise on each section, ensuring lack of collisions of units moving bi-directionally. An example of ships schedule on canalized waterway was presented.