Optimal rescheduling in classification yards with train processing alternatives

Research output: Contribution to book/Conference proceedings/Anthology/ReportConference contributionContributedpeer-review

Abstract

Classification yards are important nodes in railroad networks, especially in the single wagonload transport system. The yard operations are complex due to a high number of involved resources and restrictive dependencies. Inbound train delays can cause railcar transitions to occur later than originally envisaged. Decisions on job sequencing and resource allocation have a major impact on reactionary outbound delays and thus on the quality of service in the network. Due to permanent updates of arrival times and resource availabilities, a constant rescheduling of operations is necessary. In some cases, it is useful to deviate from the standard treatment by replacing certain processes, parallelize activities or assigning additional personnel to reduce resulting delays of outbound trains. The paper addresses these options and their integration into a comprehensive scheduling approach. Therefore, a mixed integer program (MIP) considering train processing alternatives is presented together. It includes all necessary types of resources, i.e. personnel and locomotives together with their interdependencies and time constraints. The objective function minimizes the overall outbound delay. Afterwards, some practical scenarios adapted from the classification yard in Munich operated by DB Cargo AG are calculated with CPLEX. The results of the optimization approach are presented and evaluated regarding to the effects of the alternative train treatments. Finally, conclusions are derived for operating the model in real-time-environments of classification yards.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationOperations Research Proceedings 2023
Pages511–518
Number of pages8
ISBN (electronic)978-3-031-58405-3
Publication statusPublished - 2025
Peer-reviewedYes

Publication series

SeriesLecture Notes in Operations Research
ISSN2731-040X

Conference

TitleInternational Conference on Operations Research 2023
SubtitleDecision Support & Choice-Based Analytics for a Disruptive World
Abbreviated titleOR 2023
DescriptionAnnual Conference of the Society for Operations Research in Germany (GOR e.V.)
Duration29 August - 1 September 2023
Website
Degree of recognitionInternational event
LocationUniversität Hamburg
CityHamburg
CountryGermany

External IDs

ORCID /0000-0001-9473-5662/work/212489430
ORCID /0000-0003-4111-2255/work/212492311
Scopus 105011733322

Keywords

Keywords

  • Optimization, Rail freight transportation, Resource scheduling