EFFICIENT INTERMODAL TERMINAL. METHOD AND ANALYSIS

This TFK report is the second part of the TFK project Efficient Intermodal Terminals. The first part of the project included technical achievements for transport and handling of loose containers (TFK report 1990:2). The second part of the project concentrates on methods for design of intermodal terminals and a simulation model developed by TFK made for analysis of efficiency and function of the terminal. The simulation model describes handling of containers from trains and trucks under an optional length of time. Input can be given according time table, inventories, handling equipment, terminal design etc. Output is given as different measurements of the efficiency of truck handling, train handling and handling equipment. The simulation model is orginally made for research but it can be used for planning of terminal management and design. The results from the project show that simulation methods are very useful for such a complex activity as intermodal handling on terminal. Simulation is judged to be implemented on several other transport cases. Increasing future demand on intermodal transports and terminals requires a more flexible and systemized planning of the terminal management.