Underground Freight Transportation Research Articles

Sustainable Design and Operations Management of Metro-Based Underground Logistics Systems: A Thematic Literature Review

Sustainable urban development relies on forward-looking infrastructure development. As an emerging infrastructure system that incorporates green technologies, the Metro-based Underground Logistics System (M-ULS) enables sustainable transportation of passengers and freight within cities collaboratively by sharing rail transit network facilities. M-ULS can effectively save non-renewable energy and reduce pollution to the ecological environment, and the comprehensive benefits of the system make an outstanding contribution to sustainable urban development. The purpose of this study is to provide a systematic review of M-ULS based on different perspectives and to present the development of the M-ULS network integration concept. By employing bibliometric analysis, the four dimensions of M-ULS related literature are statistically analyzed to discover the knowledge structure and research trends. Through thematic discussions, a development path for developing the concept of M-ULS network integration was established. The main findings of this study are summarized as follows: (i) A comparative analysis shows that the metro system has a high potential for freight use; (ii) Improvements in metro freight technologies are conducive to urban economy, environment, and social sustainability; (iii) Network expansion is an inevitable trend for implementing underground logistics based on the metro; (iv) The interaction among public sectors, metro operators, logistics corporations, and users plays a critical role in promoting the development of M-ULS. (v) It is worth mentioning that the planning of green infrastructure should fully consider its comprehensive contribution to the sustainable development of the city. This study visualizes the current status and hotspots of M-ULS research. It also discloses frontier knowledge and novel insights for the integrated planning and operations management of metro and urban underground freight transportation.

Multi-objective optimization model for planning metro-based underground logistics system network: Nanjing case study

<p style='text-indent:20px;'>Utilizing rail transit system for collaborative passenger-and-freight transport is a sustainable option to conquer urban congestion. This study proposes effective modeling and optimization techniques for planning a city-wide metro-based underground logistics system (M-ULS) network. Firstly, a novel metro prototype integrating retrofitted underground stations and newly-built capsule pipelines is designed to support automated inbound delivery from urban logistics gateways to in-city destinations. Based on four indicators (i.e. unity of freight flows, regional accessibility, environmental cost-saving, and order priority), an entropy-based fuzzy TOPSIS evaluation model is proposed to select appropriate origin-destination flows for underground freight transport. Then, a mixed integer programming model, with a well-matched solution framework combining multi-objective PSO algorithm and A* algorithm, are developed to optimize the location-allocation-routing (LAR) decisions of M-ULS network. Finally, real-world simulation based on Nanjing metro case is conducted for validation. The best facility configurations and flow assignments of the three-tier M-ULS network are reported in details. Results confirm that the proposed algorithm has good ability in providing high-quality Pareto-optimal LAR decisions. Moreover, the Nanjing M-ULS project shows strong economic feasibility while bringing millions of Yuan of annual external benefit to the society and environment.</p>

Investment Valuation of Underground Freight Transportation Systems under Uncertainty

AbstractInvestment valuation of underground freight transportation (UFT) systems is subject to a high level of uncertainties, including construction cost fluctuations and shipment revenue variation...

Optimal carbon emissions in an integrated network of roads and UFTS under the finite construction resources

An urban underground freight transport system (UFTS) can be an alternative for relieving the pressure of traffic congestion, reducing carbon emissions and breaking the bottlenecks of logistics transportation. The construction and operation of UFTSs require many resources invested at early stages, while the resources provided in each city are limited. Properly creating an environmentally friendly UFTS under finite resources is a prerequisite for effective reduction of the carbon emissions generated by freight transportation and is a key basis for guidance regarding operations management and network expansion. The main goal of the present research study is to develop an optimal resources allocation strategy to reduce carbon emissions by using a bi-level programming model under the finite construction resources of an UFTS. Thus, an optimal resources allocation method was developed to optimize carbon dioxide emissions in an integrated network of roads and UFTS under finite construction resources. This method integrates the characteristics of carbon emissions in UFTS and road transportation, together with a relationship between construction resources and initial design speed. Due to the nonconvexity and discreteness of the question, we transform the bi-level programming model to a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model to obtain the optimum resource allocation strategy by linearizing the constraints and objective functions. The freight network between the Xiongan New Area and Beijing is taken as an example to verify the superiority of the model. The influences of the changes in resource quantities and typical strategies of transport time, freight volume in a UFTS and rotation volume of freight transport are analyzed, which provides a foundation for further study of the implementation of UFTSs in reality.

Design and Operation of Autonomous Underground Freight Transportation Systems

AbstractDespite the increases in freight transportation demand, options for increasing capacity of the overground freight transportation infrastructure system are limited. This paper investigated t...

Life-cycle cost analysis of a short-haul underground freight transportation system for the DFW Airport

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to conduct life-cycle cost analysis of a short-haul underground freight transportation (UFT) system for the Dallas Fort Worth international airport. Design/methodology/approach The research approach includes: identifying the cost components of the proposed airport UFT system; estimating life-cycle cost (LCC) of system components using various methods; determining life-cycle cash flows; evaluating the reliability of the results using sensitivity analysis; and assessing the validity of the results using analogues cases. Findings Although the capital cost of constructing an airport UFT system seems to be the largest cost of such innovative projects, annual costs for running the system are more significant, taking a life-cycle perspective. System administrative cost, tunnel operation and maintenance, and tunnel construction cost are the principle cost components of the UFT system representing approximately 46, 24 and 19 percent of the total LCC, respectively. The shipping cost is estimated to be $4.14 per ton-mile. Although this cost is more than the cost of transporting cargos by trucks, the implementation of UFT systems could be financially justified considering their numerous benefits. Originality/value This paper, for the first time, helps capital planners understand the LCC of an airport UFT system with no or limited past experience, and to consider such innovative solutions to address airport congestion issues.

Propulsion system design and energy optimization for autonomous underground freight transportation systems

The demand for freight transportation is on the rise as a result of population growth, increase in the need for energy, and the expansion of global trade. Existing infrastructure for freight transportation seems inadequate for future growth, and new facilities are required to cover the deficiencies in cargo movement. Underground Freight Transportation (UFT) is a new mode of transportation that uses the space below the ground to carry cargo within autonomous vehicles in tunnels and pipelines. Different propulsion systems have been used for freight pipeline systems. The goal of this research is to find the proper propulsion system for the UFT system. In addition, this research aims at finding the minimum power of the propulsion system and energy consumption for the UFT system operation. Two short-haul and long-haul UFT systems with different load sizes are used to test and apply the results of this research. The findings of this research suggest that because of its light weight and short thickness, a Linear Induction Motor (LIM) is an appropriate propulsion system for UFT. Besides, this research estimates that the energy consumption and power requirement of a LIM system is low. The energy consumption of LIM system is calculated as a function of UFT system operating speed. Therefore, the results of this research can be applied in the design, operation and cost estimating of other UFT systems.

Underground transport: An overview

Transport systems play an essential role in urban, economic and social development. Utilising underground space for transport is a continuing trend across the globe during past decades. Underground transport systems have been chosen by cities as potential solutions for solving urbanisation problems such as traffic congestion, land shortage, and noise and air pollution. This paper provides an overview of five main forms of underground transport: underground railway systems, underground car parks, urban underground roads and expressways, underground freight transport systems and underground pedestrian systems. In each case the overview explores their origins, development, advantages and challenges, as well as other research foci. The paper then discusses key policy challenges for underground transport systems and provides recommendations for future research.

Intermodal Terminal Design for Autonomous Freight Pipeline System

This paper investigates the design and operation of an intermodal terminal for Underground Freight Transportation (UFT) system. UFT is considered as a new mode of autonomous freight transportation that uses pipelines for transporting freight between two intermodal terminals. The load size and route length of the UFT system can be variable depending on the purpose and specifications of the project. In this paper two sizes of loads and two route lengths are considered to show that the terminal design and operation are independent from route length and load size. Each UFT route starts at the Port of Houston where shipping container or pallet size loads will be delivered to the UFT system. The short-haul route ends at a proposed intermodal satellite terminal outside Houston and the long-haul route terminates in a proposed intermodal inland port in Dallas. This paper develops inclusive equations to estimate the operational attributes of the UFT intermodal terminal. These attributes include operational headway, system flow, fleet size, and number of handlers/forklifts required in operation of the terminal. Based on the terminal operation requirements, a typical design for a UFT intermodal terminal is presented. In addition, the loading/unloading process and the freight circulation scheme are discussed. Although, this schematic terminal design and operation are for shipping container loads, but the same concept can be applied to smaller scale loads such as pallets.

Design and Operation of Autonomous Freight Transportation Systems

The demand for freight transportation is on the rise as a result of population growth, increase in the need for energy, and the expansion of global trade. Existing infrastructure for freight transportation seems inadequate for future growth, and new facilities are required to cover the deficiencies in cargo movement. Underground Freight Transportation (UFT) is a new mode of transportation that uses the space below the ground to carry cargo within individual vehicles in tubes and pipelines. Different propulsion systems have been used for freight pipeline systems. The goal of this research is to find the proper propulsion system for the UFT system. In addition, this research aims at finding the minimum power of the propulsion system and energy consumption for the UFT system operation. Two short-haul and long-haul UFT systems with different load sizes are used to test and apply the results of this research. The findings of this research suggest that because of its light weight and short thickness, a Linear Induction Motor (LIM) is the most appropriate propulsion system for UFT. Besides, this research estimates that the energy consumption and power requirement of a LIM system is low. The energy consumption of LIM system is calculated as a function of UFT system operating speed. Therefore, the results of this research can be applied in the design, operation and cost estimating of other UFT systems.

Using a multi-objective programming model to validate feasibility of an underground freight transportation system for the Yangshan port in Shanghai

Preventing environmental deterioration and alleviating traffic congestion are becoming urgent problems in urban and transportation planning. Alleviating the pressure from increasing freight transportation traffic via low-emission and innovative transportation methods can reduce problems such as transportation network capacity limits and environmental pollution and contribute to the development of resource-efficient and sustainable cities in the future. Underground freight transportation systems (UFTSs) can improve service quality and transportation efficiency in urban logistics and alleviate traffic congestion and associated problems such as energy consumption and air pollution. Previous studies on urban UFTSs have focused mostly on technical feasibility and policy requirements. Studies providing a quantitative analysis of the effects of introducing a UFTS on an existing transportation network are scarce. In this study, the main goal is to create a quantitative method to analyze the effects of introducing a UFTS on the performance of a transportation network. Thus, a multi-objective programming model of an integrated aboveground-underground transportation network that considers transportation cost, time, and emissions is created. The Yangshan port in Shanghai, China is used as an example to assess whether a UFTS can significantly reduce the cost, time, distance and emissions of the aboveground freight container transportation. The weights on three objective functions are varied to analyze their effects on the solution. These results provide a reference for optimizing freight distribution plans when a UFTS is constructed and for implementing integrated aboveground-underground transportation systems in the future.

The development of underground freight transport: An overview

Today, transportation of freight by trucks and vans faces congestion within most of the urbanized areas around the world, making supply chains less efficient and causing air pollution, noise, reducing traffic safety and also contributing to climate change. Underground freight transport (UFT) can be an alternative for, but also an addition to existing transport modes for freight, like road, rail and waterborne. It combines the advantages of taking the traffic movements underground and applying electrical (or linear induction) propulsion, with a lower (local) environmental burden and the economic advantages of unimpeded automated transport over a dedicated infrastructure that is separated from passenger traffic. Through the years, initiatives haven been taken to develop underground freight transport systems for different purposes in the USA, Europe and Asia. This paper describes the different initiatives, the benefits and costs and the type of applications. The paper ends with the conclusion that UFT is ready to be implemented but there are points of attention. We are dealing with a process of prolonged efforts on the part of the government and the private sector, which requires long-term commitment and high financial resources.

Application of underground short-haul freight pipelines to large airports

The Dallas Fort Worth International Airport handles about 600,000 metric tons of cargo annually. These shipments are currently transported by trucks from the airport cargo terminals. An underground freight transportation (UFT) system has the potential to substantially reduce the truck traffic within the DFW Airport area and thus improve safety, efficiency, and air quality. The main reason for designing a UFT system in the DFW Airport is security vulnerability, when trucks drive under or near active runways and taxiways and may have hazardous or explosive cargo. Besides, the proposed UFT system is expected to reduce the number of trucks on airport grounds and the airport access roadways, thus enhancing both the roadway access capacity and safety as well as reducing adverse environmental impacts such as emissions and noise. The objective of this paper is to examine the feasibility of underground short-haul freight pipelines to a large airport such as Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport. The proposed short-haul UFT system transports standard air freight crates between an airport cargo terminal and a distribution center off the secured airport grounds. The DFW Airport UFT system design includes planning level configurations of the tracks, vehicle, propulsion system, end-point terminals, and loading/unloading mechanisms at those terminals. Operational attributes such as speeds, headways, loading/unloading times, and line capacities are also determined.

Lifecycle Cost Study of Underground Freight Transportation Systems in Texas

AbstractLifecycle cost analysis is a critical step in feasibility studies of future infrastructure projects. Lifecycle cost analysis of innovative infrastructure systems, such as a proposed undergr...

Lifecycle Benefit-Cost Analysis of Underground Freight Transportation Systems

AbstractUnderground freight transportation (UFT) is a class of automated transportation systems in which vehicles carry freight through tunnels or pipelines under roadways between intermodal termin...

Financing Underground Freight Transportation Systems in Texas: Identification of Funding Sources and Assessment of Enabling Legislation

AbstractFreight transportation by trucks plays a significant role in the economy of a region, and at the same time contributes greatly to the deterioration of roads and highways. The majority of go...

Capsule Separation by Linear Induction Motor in Pneumatic Capsule Pipeline Freight Transport System

In order to advance the state-of-the-art in pneumatic capsule pipeline (PCP) underground freight transportation science, this paper examines the problem of separating capsules that may naturally form into trains as they travel through the pipeline. Such separation of capsules is necessary when the capsule trains approach branching points in the system. The analysis is performed for the simplified case of a train consisting of two capsules in a typical 1.0 -m2 cross section PCP. The capsules enter and traverse a multisegmented linear induction motor (MSLIM) that is to be used to separate them prior to reaching the branching point. Separation distances and times have to be large enough to allow a switching operation to be performed on the first capsule before the second capsule arrives at the switching point. Results of the analysis show how the first capsule will accelerate and how the second capsule will decelerate, thus causing separation. The results also show that reasonable capsule-separation distance...

An adaptive approach to implementing innovative urban transport solutions

Urban transport is facing an increasing number of problems. Innovative technological solutions have been proposed for many of these problems. The implementation of these solutions, however, is surrounded by many uncertainties—for example, future relevant developments for urban transport demand and supply, the possible consequences of these developments for urban transportation system performance, and the way crucial stakeholders will value these consequences. In order to deal with these uncertainties, a flexible or adaptive policy is proposed that takes some actions right away and creates a framework for future actions that allow for adaptations over time as knowledge about urban transport technologies accumulates and critical events with respect to the implementation of these technologies take place. The adaptive approach is illustrated for three promising technological solutions for urban transport problems: (1) intelligent speed adaptation, (2) personal intelligent travel assistant, and (3) underground freight transport.

Review of The Future of Automated Freight Transport: Concepts, Design, and Implementation by Rob Konings, Hugo Priemus, and Peter NijkampThe Future of Automated Freight Transport: Concepts, Design, and ImplementationEdward Elgar

This is a book of ideas! However, I would disagree with the word “future” in the title as it is more aptly titled Concepts, Design, and Implementation for Automated Freight Transport. This is so because the book focuses on potential innovations using varying degrees of automation, some of which will never reach the implementation stage and others like underground capsule pipeline systems that have been around for many years, but have not been widely used. The book is organized into three sections that give a comprehensive review of 1 “Concepts and Perspectives in Automated Freight Transport”; 2 “Related Design and Evaluation Tools”; and 3 “Implementation Issues.” The book is comprised of a set of papers written by researchers from Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands, and derived from work performed in the research program, Freight Transportation Automation and Multimodality FTAM . Beginning with a presentation of the latest developments in automated freight transport and future visions for the different inland surface freight transportation modes road, rail, pipeline, and inland shipping , the book identifies tools and strategies for designing and evaluating these systems. Lastly, it addresses implementation issues that include institutional, financial, safety, and integration barriers. This book can be a valuable reference for researchers and policy makers for assessing ideas proposed for the automation of freight transportation systems. In Part I, research, development and testing activities in support of automated surface transportation modes and systems are described in terms of modal automation and/or developing solutions to location specific problems. Technologies illustrated in detail include automated road transport projects, self-propelled rail freight wagons, automated inland navigation, underground freight transportation, road–rail hybrid transport, and automated vehicle control. The final two chapters

Dynamic one-way traffic control in automated transportation systems

In a project on underground freight transportation using Automated Guided Vehicles, single lanes for traffic in two directions are constructed to reduce infrastructure investment. Intelligent control rules are required to manage vehicle flows such, that collision is avoided and waiting times are minimised. In contrast to standard traffic control at intersections, these control rules should take into account significant driving times along the single lane (in our application up to 8 min). Whereas periodic control rules are often applied in traffic theory, we focus on adaptive rules such as look-ahead heuristics and dynamic programming algorithms. Numerical experiments show that our control rules reduce waiting times by 10–25% compared to a straightforward periodic rule. Dynamic programming yields the best results in terms of mean waiting times.