The use of transferable permits in transport policy

This paper considers potential use of domestic transferable, or tradable, permit systems for the purposes of travel management, especially reducing environmental nuisances. The main arguments for and against the use of permits are analyzed. Secondly two case studies of existing permit systems are examined. The main conclusions are that tradable permits can address greenhouse gas and regional atmospheric pollutant emissions, and are suitable for congestion on a restricted time–space basis. Permits applied to mobile sources are technically feasible at acceptable financial cost for protecting sensitive geographical areas, and schemes applied to automakers for unitary vehicle emissions are also viable.     

Simple analytical models for estimating the queue lengths from probe vehicles at traffic signals

As mobile traffic sensor technology gets more attention, mathematical models are being developed that utilize this new data type in various intelligent transportation systems applications. This study introduces simple analytical estimation models for queue lengths from tracked or probe vehicles at traffic signals using stochastic modeling approach. Developed models estimate cycle-to-cycle queue lengths by using primary parameters such as arrival rate, probe vehicle proportions, and signal phase durations. Valuable probability distributions and moment generating functions for probe information types are formulated. Fully analytical closed-form expressions are given for the case ignoring the overflow queue and approximation models are presented for the overflow case. Derived models are compared with the results from VISSIM-microscopic simulation. Analytical steady-state and cycle-to-cycle estimation errors are also derived. Numerical examples are shown for the errors of these estimators that change with probe vehicle market penetration levels, arrival rates, and volume-to-capacity ratios.     

Simple algorithms for minimizing the sum of linear shipment costs and convex port costs

Several methods are discussed for minimizing the sum of linear collection/distribution costs from/to a number of zones, and non-linear costs at processing ports. The non-optimality and computational implications of approximating non-linear cost functions for use with the linear programming technique are discussed. A simple graphical technique is presented and two computational algorithms are developed which make use of the special structure of the problem. The algorithms are illustrated using a simple example. Both algorithms converge to global optima. One is more suitable for hand calculation and the other is easier to program, but both are easily programmed and are computationally efficient.     

Importance and exposure in road network vulnerability analysis

The reliability and vulnerability of critical infrastructures have attracted a lot of attention recently. In order to assess these issues quantitatively, operational measures are needed. Such measures can also be used as guidance to road administrations in their prioritisation of maintenance and repair of roads, as well as for avoiding causing unnecessary disturbances in the planning of roadwork. The concepts of link importance and site exposure are introduced. In this paper, several link importance indices and site exposure indices are derived, based on the increase in generalised travel cost when links are closed. These measures are divided into two groups: one reflecting an “equal opportunities perspective”, and the other a “social efficiency perspective”. The measures are calculated for the road network of northern Sweden. Results are collected in a GIS for visualisation, and are presented per link and municipality. In view of the recent great interest in complex networks, some topological measures of the road network are also presented.     

Bus maintenance systems and maintenance scheduling: model formulations and solutions

This paper deals with the problem of scheduling bus maintenance activities. The scheduling of maintenance activities is an important component in bus transit operations planning process. The other components include network route design, setting timetables, scheduling vehicles, and assignment of drivers. This paper presents a mathematical programming approach to the problem. This approach takes as input a given daily operating schedule for all buses assigned to a depot along with available maintenance resources. It, then, attempts to design daily inspection and maintenance schedules for the buses that are due for inspection so as to minimize the interruptions in the daily bus operating schedule, and maximize the utilization of the maintenance facilities. Three integer programming formulations are presented and different properties of the problem are discussed. Several heuristic methods are presented and tested. Some of these procedures produce very close to optimal solutions very efficiently. In some cases, the computational times required to obtain these solutions are less than 1% of the computational time required for the conventional branch and bound algorithm. Several small examples are offered and the computational results of solving the problem for an actual, 181-bus transit property are reported.     

减少铸管内衬缺陷率的生产实践

文中对某公司生产的铸铁管存在的内衬缺陷进行了分析,并提出了改进措施。利用现场分析与统计分析查找出内衬起泡和内流内裂是造成水泥内衬降级的的主要因素。针对这两个因素,采取了有效的改进措施。通过对托轮、压轮和挡轮装置进行改造,调整衬层机转速,规范了养生制度以及试验调整配料工艺参数等,铸铁管存在的内衬缺陷得到了显著改善,对提高铸铁管整体质量起到了很好的作用。     

Origin–destination table disaggregation using biproportional least squares estimation

This paper describes a group of techniques for disaggregating origin–destination tables for travel forecasting that makes explicit use of observed traffic on a network. Five models within the group are presented, each of which uses nonlinear least-squares estimation to obtain row and column factors for splitting trip totals from and to larger geographical areas into smaller ones. The techniques are philosophically similar to Fratar factoring, although the solution method is quite different. The techniques are tested on a full-sized network for Northfield, MN and are found to work effectively.     

Rail freight transportation: A review of recent optimization models for train routing and empty car distribution

This paper describes two types of rail transportation problems in detail. These are train routing and makeup, and empty car distribution problems. Some of the recent optimization models which address these problems are reviewed and the areas for potential improvements in rail transportation literature are identified. The type of interactions which exist between routing, makeup, and empty car distribution decisions are highlighted and potential areas for future research are identified.     

LNG工程保冷层施工

保冷层施工是LNG工程建设的关键技术之一,合适的保冷结构和施工工艺可以提高LNG系统运行的安全性和经济性。通过比较常用保温材料的性能及优缺点,确定了适合LNG管道的保温材料。介绍了LNG系统的保冷层结构及作用。分别论述了LNG运输系统中的直管线、弯头、法兰、阀门等不同部位的保冷层施工工艺,还分析了LNG系统运行过程中保冷层存在的失效风险,并提出了相应的改进建议。     

The effect of socio-economic factors on the value of time in commuting to work

It is important to specify accurately the dollar value assigned to time savings, since up to eighty percent of the benefits estimated to accrue from improvements in transportation systems are associated with savings in travel time. In this paper the economic theory of consumer choice is utilized to structure a model that is used to estimate how Value of Time (VOT) measures vary with community-related variables.Parameters for this theoretical model are empirically estimated using data from transportation surveys conducted in Ithaca and Syracuse, New York and Amherst, Massachusetts. The results confirm the validity of the theoretical model and suggest that leisure time, travel cost, and household income level, as well as community population, are important determinants of the marginal value of time. These models are particularly suited for transferring data results obtained in one community to another, thereby saving survey costs, since the resulting VOT estimates are based solely on underlying socio-economic variables and community characteristics that are known for most localities. The methodology is also useful for estimating different VDT's for particular population subgroups, like the elderly, which may be the focus of a particular transportation project.     

Sustainable mobility: Policy design and implementation in three Norwegian cities

The paper explores barriers for designing and implementing policies for the transition to more environmentally sustainable urban mobility, and strategies for overcoming these barriers in three Norwegian cities. Empirical data has been collected by interviewing key informants and analysing relevant documents. The findings show that there is broad political support for placing sustainable mobility high on the political agenda. Challenges appear when policy measures are designed and implemented. Cultural, legal, political, organisational, financial and knowledge-related barriers are identified. Many similar barriers are identified in the three case cities, but differences also appear. The results indicate that the size of the cities as well as the type of policy packages implemented are important factors, impacting both the type and strength of barriers. Several strategies for overcoming barriers have been implemented in the three case cities with success. The implementation of policy packages with a combination of “push” and “pull” measures is perhaps the most important strategy. In addition, using communication strategically and allowing for trials and step-by-step introduction of policy measures are success factors. Better methods for stakeholder involvement and planning tools for bicyclists and pedestrians may increase the acceptance of policy measures and speed up the transition toward sustainable mobility.     

Does traffic-related calibration of car-following models provide accurate estimations of vehicle emissions?

Fuel consumption or pollutant emissions can be assessed by coupling a microscopic traffic flow model with an instantaneous emission model. Traffic models are usually calibrated using goodness of fit indicators related to the traffic behavior. Thus, this paper investigates how such a calibration influences the accuracy of fuel consumption and NOx and PM estimations. Two traffic models are investigated: Newell and Gipps. It appears that the Gipps model provides the closest simulated trajectories when compared to real ones. Interestingly, a reverse ranking is observed for fuel consumption, NOx and PM emissions. For both models, the emissions of single vehicles are very sensitive to the calibration. This is confirmed by a global sensitivity analysis of the Gipps model that shows that non-optimal parameters significantly increase the variance of the outputs. Fortunately, this is no longer the case when emissions are calculated for a group of many vehicles. Indeed, the mean errors for platoons are close to 10% for the Gipps model and always lower than 4% for the Newell model. Another interesting property is that optimal parameters for each vehicle can be replaced by the mean values with no discrepancy for the Newell model and low discrepancies for the Gipps model when calculating the different emission outputs. Finally, this study presents preliminary results that show that multi-objective calibration methods are certainly the best direction for future works on the Gipps model. Indeed, the accuracy of vehicle emissions can be highly improved with negligible counterparts on the traffic model accuracy.     

Towards the analysis of attitudinal and behavioral responses to transportation system characteristics

This report treats the requirements of planning methods for short-range and low-capital transportation options within the context of two primary objectives. The objectives are (1) the presentation of a fundamental set of behavioral principles which are relevant to the planning process and (2) the discussion of alternative methods for assessing the behavioral consequences of transportation changes. The presentation of fundamental behavioral principles relies substantially on classical behavioral reinforcement theory, but reference is also made to attitude theory, econometrics, marketing, and psychometrics. The discussion of data collection procedures presents information on sample specification, and it illustrates a variety of questionnaire formats for the collection of perceptions and preferences from respondents. Advantages and disadvantages of the formats are mentioned. Based on the discussion of behavioral principles and methods, general guidelines are offered for the modeling and data collection requirements of planning methods for short-range and low-capital transportation options.     

Traffic engineering and the new German highway capacity manual

Traffic engineering in Germany has a long tradition. The standards for practical application, however, are distributed among a variety of guidelines. These, in many cases, are not up to date. Therefore, in practice, more recent research results are applied by traffic authorities and consultants. To improve this practical application on a more sophisticated background, a manual for traffic quality and capacity on streets and highways is intended to be prepared. A first draft has been worked out by a university institute and is to be published in 1994. This article presents the background for the chapter on highway sections and motorway interchanges for signalized and unsignalized intersections. Pedestrian and public transit facilities are mentioned as well. Special attention is drawn to the most recent research results which are included in the manual. These are delays at intersections under nonstationary conditions, including queue length and distributions (e.g. 95-percentile queue length). For motorways, the lack of a general speed limit in Germany has important impacts on determining measures of effectiveness.     

Multi-modal and demand-responsive passenger transport systems: a modelling framework with embedded control systems

The LITRES-2 modelling system provides a framework for investigating the performance of urban passenger transport systems, with particular attention to demand-responsive transport modes and traveller information technologies. The modes covered include conventional timetabled services (buses, trains etc.), taxis (both single- and multiple-hire), and other demand-responsive services. Tables of estimated aggregate demand are disaggregated so as to produce a stream of fully-articulated travel-requests. Individual requests are resolved as single- or multiple-leg journeys, through the use of request-broking and journey-planning modules that seek to minimise travellers' generalised costs. Journey-legs allocated to demand-responsive modes are handled by a fleet-scheduling module which includes provision for “instantaneous” as well as advance-notice bookings, and for contingent situations such as breakdowns and passenger no-shows. The fleet-scheduling and journey-planning modules are designed as embedded control systems and are intended for use in real-time as well as modelling applications. The paper describes the main analytical and procedural components of LITRES-2, and assesses some methodological issues arising from experience in recent planning studies. The system appears to be well suited for use in modelling situations where the critical issues are concerned with the supply rather than demand side of transportation activity.     

Calculation of external costs for freight transport

Abstract

The negative impacts of transport are in general associated with costs. These costs are usually denoted as ‘external costs’ or ‘externalities’. This paper presents a tool for calculating external costs for freight transport together with its application to a number of case studies. The categories considered include: air pollution, greenhouse gases, noise, accidents and congestion. Results are presented for a number of different transport alternatives as total costs and divided into categories. The uncertainties in the results are discussed. The assessment of these costs is essential for predicting future transport costs.     

深海管道保温材料现状

简要讨论深海环境和深水海底管道保温材料的性能特点,主要介绍目前根据深海特殊的服役环境通常选用的聚丙烯、聚氨酯、环氧树脂、气凝胶以及相变储能材料等保温材料。介绍了这几种保温材料的密度、导热系数、吸水率等基本物理参数,适用的管道保温结构方式、海水深度以及长期服役温度。最后,列举国内外海底管道保温材料工程应用实例,可以看出聚氨酯和聚丙烯聚合物材料是目前海底管道最主要的保温材料。     

Metamodels for estimating waterway delays through series of queues

A numerical method has been developed for estimating delays on congested waterways. Analytic and numerical results are presented for series of G/G/1 queues, i.e. with generally distributed arrivals and service times and single chambers at each lock. One or two-way traffic operations are modelled. A metamodelling approach which develops simple formulas to approximate the results of simulation models is presented. The structure of the metamodels is developed from queueing theory while their coefficients are statistically estimated from simulation results. The numerical method consists of three modules: (1) delays, (2) arrivals and (3) departures. The first estimates the average waiting time for each lock when the arrival and service time distributions at this lock are known. The second identifies the relations between the arrival distributions at one lock and the departure distributions from the upstream and downstream locks. The third estimates the mean and variance of inter-departure times when the inter-arrival and service time distributions are known. The method can be applied to systems with two-way traffic through common bi-directional servers as well as to one-way traffic systems. Algorithms for both cases are presented. This numerical method is shown to produce results that are close to the simulation results. The metamodels developed for estimating delays and variances of inter-departure times may be applied to waterways and other series of G/G/1 queues. These metamodels for G/G/1 queues may provide key components of algorithms for analyzing networks of queues.     

Sizing parking facilities at airports

Established rules-of-thumb and industry guidelines for estimating the supply of parking at airports are based on uncertain quantities such as design year enplanements and number of airport employees, and are independent of cost. In the presence of continued uncertainty and increasing competition for limited space in and around airports, it is important that facilities are sized in relation to cost of providing and using them. A probabilistic model based on the classical “newsboy” problem is proposed to determine the optimal supply of parking in relation to expected total cost while treating demand as a random quantity. Empirical data are used to demonstrate the application of the proposed model for decision making. In addition to construction and maintenance costs, and user costs, decisions are shown to be sensitive to the level of uncertainty of design year enplanements.