Handling Resources Scheduling Optimization For Railway Container Terminals Based On Train Arrival-Departure Time

Railway Container Terminals (RCT) are not only the key nodes in railway container network but also the most important parts in multimodal container transport system. Optimizing handling resource scheduling problem in RCT has lots of benefits. On one hand, it can improve the loading and unloading efficiency, reduce operating costs, and ensure train departure punctuality; on the other hand, it can enhance the operation quality of the entire railway container transportation network, and strengthen the reliability of multimodal container transport system.This paper studied the handling resource scheduling problem in RCT, and respectively analyzed two situations:train arrived on time or delayed. Based on the two situation, different mathematical models and algorithms are designed. The main contents and conclusions are:(1) Analyzed the loading and unloading resources configuration in railway container Terminals. First, Gantry Cranes are indicated as the main handling resources with Reach Stackers being the auxiliary ones, based on the introduction of RCT feature, layout, space resources as well as handling and transportation equipment. Then, several handling resources scheduling model are introduced after the introduction of some train loading and unloading organizational model, thus providing theoretical basis for subsequent research.(2) Based on the situation of train arrive and leave punctually, optimized the handling resources scheduling problem. In this situation, Gantry Cranes are selected as the handling resource. A mathematic model is proposed to minimize the maximum GC handling time as well as balance the workload among different GCs. Then, Bees Algorithm and Genetic Algorithm are applied to solve the scheduling problem. Case study indicates that the model and algorithms are useful to optimize the handling resources scheduling problem.(3) Based on the situation of train delayed, optimized the handling resources scheduling problem. In this situation, to ensure the train departure punctually, Gantry Cranes are selected as the main handling resource with Reach Stackers being the auxiliary ones. A mathematic model is proposed to minimize the maximum handling time. Then, Bees Algorithm and Genetic Algorithm are applied to solve the scheduling problem. Case study indicates that the model and algorithms are useful to optimize the handling resources scheduling problem.This study considers the different practical situations of train time, and proposed a model in which the Gantry Cranes are selected as the main handling resource while Reach stackers being the auxiliary ones. The optimization of handling resources scheduling can improve loading and unloading efficiency, cut down operating costs, reduce train stop time, and ensure train departure punctuality. Thus provides theoretical and practical reference for Railway Container Terminals.