Combining Operative Train Simulation with Logistics Simulation in SUMO

Abstract

Rail freight logistics is usually planned and analyzed using a macroscopic aggregated view on railway networks and train operations. As a result, disjoint tools have developed for simulating train operations which requires a detailed representation of track assets as well as the signaling architecture and supply chain networks in logistics analyzing the flow of goods where mode-specific capacity and traffic situations are incorporated in an aggregated manner. However, integrating the two areas could help evaluating railway-specific operative implications (such as conflicts and consequent delays) on the level of transport chains and thus single transport units instead of trains or network areas. The simulation tool SUMO is identified to meet criteria from both disciplines. It is shown how a respective methodology can be realized in SUMO to create such a simulation model. A use case of northwestern Germany shows by the means of exemplary container trajectories that the two simulative approaches can be merged.

Keywords

• operative train simulation
• logistics simulation
• combined simulation model
• SUMO
• transportation chain
• container trajectories