Abstract
Each loop in a multi-loop rail network consists of two segments, both of which have roughly the same conditions and mileage and are approximately symmetrical. This paper is devoted to optimizing the paths of trains formed at the loading area in a multi-loop rail network. To attain this goal, three different situations are analyzed, and two models are proposed for networks with adequate and inadequate capabilities. Computational experiments are also carried out using the commercial software Lingo, with the branch and bound algorithm. The results show that the models can achieve the same solution with different solution times. To solve the problem of path selection for large-scale train flows, a genetic algorithm is also designed and proves to perform well in a set of computational experiments.
Highlights
In traditional railroad operations, each train may carry a single block or multiple blocks, where each block is consisted of set of railcars that may have disparate origins and destinations
With the construction of new lines and the capacity expansion of existing railways, convenient inter-regional channels and international rail freight corridors for the “Belt and Road” will be formed, which is conducive to the development of direct train service that can speed up freight transportation and improve overall service efficiency
Comparison the Solution Time between Model I and Model II under Situation 1 and Situation 2. Since both Model I and Model II can solve the problem of train flow path selection under Situation 1 and Situation 2 and can achieve a consistent result, in the step, we focus on which model is faster or more efficient
Summary
Each train may carry a single block or multiple blocks, where each block is consisted of set of railcars that may have disparate origins and destinations. A freight flow, which consists of many railcars/wagons with the same origin and destination (OD), may pass through several classification yards and may be handled by some yard operations on their journeys. With the construction of new lines and the capacity expansion of existing railways, convenient inter-regional channels (featuring multiple rail lines and large capacities, including 12 railway freight corridors, such as the Beijing–Tianjin–Northeast Corridor and the Yangtze River Delta–Northwest Corridor) and international rail freight corridors for the “Belt and Road” will be formed, which is conducive to the development of direct train service that can speed up freight transportation and improve overall service efficiency. It is of great significance to study optimizing the paths of trains in a multi-loop rail network
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