Title: Multi-agent simulation for analysing the robustness of inland container terminal networks

Authors: Edith Schindlbacher; Manfred Gronalt; Hans Häuslmayer

Addresses: Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Production Economics and Logistics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Feistmantelstraße 4, 1180 Vienna, Austria ' Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Institute of Production Economics and Logistics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Feistmantelstraße 4, 1180 Vienna, Austria ' h2 projekt.beratung KG, Obere Viaduktgasse 10/7, 1030 Vienna, Austria

Abstract: Using a multi-agent system, representing the nodes in the network of the Austrian inland container terminals, and using a system dynamics approach to depict the terminals' internal structures and processes in an aggregate manner, we perform network flow analyses of intermodal load units in case of unforeseen disturbances. Comprehensive case studies of disturbances and irregularities in the flow of goods in Austrian container transport chains and transport systems are the basis of the definition of several risk scenarios. These scenarios are used to investigate the robustness of the network. The simulation results show that the network under consideration has enough capacities to handle the effects of the implemented disruptions and regain initial conditions within a reasonable period of time.

Keywords: multi-agent simulation; network flow analyses; disruption risks; inland container terminals; multi-agent systems; MAS; agent-based systems; inland terminals; Austria; system dynamics; intermodal load units; unforeseen disturbances; goods flows; container transport systems; container transport chains.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSPM.2011.048012

International Journal of Simulation and Process Modelling, 2011 Vol.6 No.4, pp.317 - 328

Received: 26 Apr 2010
Accepted: 24 Mar 2011
Published online: 17 Jul 2012 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article