Development of an expert system for the evaluation of conventional and innovative technologies in the intermodal transport area

The context of this paper concerns the structure of an expert system based modelling tool that was developed and used within the framework of a recent European research project. The objective of the expert system is to produce alternative technically sound terminal designs, based on a number of user-defined parameters (cargo volume, loading unit mixture, layout characteristics, operating conditions, etc.) and equipment selections (conventional or innovative transhipment systems, rail access systems, identification, location and positioning devices, semi-automatic control, information systems, etc.). Each of the above technological bricks is identified by its compatibility, performance and cost attributes. The compatibility and performance attributes-through an interactive interface-enable the development of technically sound terminal designs while the performance attributes are also used for the calculation of the equipment service cycle. A simulation module converts the equipment service cycle into train service time, as well as into truck service and dwell times, which are then compared to specific quality of service criteria. The cost of the non-rejected designs is calculated (using the cost attributes of all involved elements) and together with the draft terminal layout, the area equipment and personnel requirements, form part of the expert system output. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.