Research project MD/DD/07 (Research action MD)
Objectives
LAMBIT is a location Analysis Model for Belgian Intermodal Terminals. As a DSS, LAMBIT is in the first place a tool to support decision makers in both public and private sectors to aid decisionmaking on optimal locations for intermodal terminals in Belgium. Both projects specific and environment specific parameters will be taken into account. In addition, LAMBIT will demonstrate the competitiveness of intermodal transport, as opposed to unimodal (road) transport. One of the modules in LAMBIT will allow the calculation of the (positive) impact of intermodal transport (e.g. on the environment). Finally, LAMBIT will improve the efficiency of the Belgian intermodal network, as well as its European integration.
Methodology
A. Conceptual development of the DBMIS (database management- and informations system) :
A.1. identification of all relevant internal and external decision parameters;
A.2. Methodological and technical evaluation of the requirements to integrate this information in an operational and flexible database system; evaluation of commercial database systems;
A.3. Development of a methodology for the maintenance of the information.
B. Development of the DBMIS :
B.1. Programmation of the DBMIS;
B.2. Input of the data which are already known.
C. Collection of (national and international) data concerning intermodal transport and intermodal terminals
C.1 Collection and storing of the data which are permanently in the database :
C.1.A. International data : statistics from CEMT, NIS, UN, EUROSTAT
C.1.B. National data by conducting a survey with terminal operators, transport companies and forwarders.
C.2 Interpretation of the survey results(this survey will allow to investigate the strenghts and weaknesses of intermodal transport);
D. Connection of the database with a decision support system to identify the optimal location for terminals and to evaluate the efficiency of existing terminals by using the EMCA model.
E. Development of a user-friendly manual.
F. Design and implementation of a method for the evaluation of the effects of intermodal transport on the environment :
F.1 Identification of the requirements for a module for the calculation of the positive effects on the environment;
F.2 Development of a methodology for evaluating the positive effects on the environment of the intermodal transport option against unimodal transport alternatives (i.e. road haulage);
F.3 Development and integration in the DBMIS of a module for the evaluation of effects on the environment.
G. Development of a simulation model (discrete event simulation) of one particular terminal :
G.1 Overview of the existing simulation models of terminals;
G.2 Choice of the development platform and choice of the terminal;
G.3 Description of the chosen terminal;
G.4 Building of the model and simulation of alternative ways of organising the terminal;
G.5 Design of rules for improving terminal efficiency.
Potential users
High relevance to the Flemish and Brussels governements, which are confronted with the need to locate several new terminals to make the Belgian terminal network work more efficiently and to reduce environmental problems.
Link to Sustainable Development
The project will contribute to sustainable development in two ways. On the one hand, the effective location of new intermodal terminals may lead to a shift of traffic from the road to more environment friendly modes due to a higher efficiency of the transfer points. On the other hand, the development of a coherent and integrated international terminal netwerk implies a substantial improvement of the Belgian transportation system as a whole, that will better respond to a mix of economic, ecological and social objectives than a situation of uncontrolled and uncoordinated location of new terminals, which could lead to sub-optimisation.
LAMBIT: eindverslag
Brussel: DWTC, 2001 (SP0859)
[To download]
LAMBIT: synthese verslag
Brussel: DWTC, 2001 (SP0860)
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LAMBIT: summary report
Brussels: OSTC, 2001 (SP0861)
[To download]
