Methodology of Transport Corridor Modeling Using Petri Nets

Methodology of Transport Corridor Modeling Using Petri Nets: History

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Subjects: Transportation

Contributor:

Zura Sansyzbayeva

Current models for evaluating sustainable transport corridors often lack a comprehensive framework capturing the multifaceted performance measures vital for holistic assessment especially at the early stages of operation, when detailed information on the performance indicators of these transport corridors is not available. This gap motivates a Petri net-based modeling approach that integrates key sustainability indicators into a flexible simulation tool. This paper details a versatile methodology harnessing Petri nets, specifically Evaluation Petri nets (E-Nets), to assess corridor sustainability across environmental, social, and economic dimensions. The proposed framework equips planners and policymakers to explore diverse green corridor configurations under varying conditions. Case studies showcase the model’s capabilities in analyzing real-world corridors, identifying performance bottlenecks, and comparing alternative solutions. The model provides a practical decision-support tool to strengthen strategies for efficient, socially responsible, and environmentally sound transport infrastructure.

sustainable transport corridors
Petri nets
key sustainability indicators
green infrastructure

1. Introduction

The international transport corridors serve as the backbone of global trade and commerce, facilitating the movement of goods and passengers across various regions and countries. Traditionally, these corridors have been optimized for efficiency and capacity, emphasizing the speed and volume of transit.

However, with such expansion, the environmental implications become more pronounced, often leading to detrimental impacts on our planet. The realization of these environmental concerns, combined with the urgency to address climate change, has given birth to the concept of green transport corridors.

The concept of green transport corridors has emerged as a pivotal paradigm in the realm of international trade and sustainable development. These corridors are not merely redesigned pathways for the transit of goods; they represent a fundamental shift in the approach to the efficiency, environmental impact, and resilience of global supply chains. As the world gravitates towards more sustainable practices, the transportation sector, being one of the significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, is undergoing a green transformation. This transformation encompasses a broad spectrum of interventions, ranging from the incorporation of renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies to the adoption of eco-friendly logistics and operational practices.

However, the nascent nature of green transport corridors brings forth a set of unique challenges. One of the primary hurdles is the evaluation of the effectiveness of such corridors in achieving their intended environmental and economic objectives. Traditional metrics and models employed for assessing transport corridors may not fully capture the nuances of their green counterparts. Therefore, there is a pressing need for novel approaches to model and analyze green transport corridors to facilitate their planning, implementation, and continuous improvement.

2. Related Works

The section reviews previous studies on sustainable transport corridors. The literature review covers various studies and models related to sustainable transport corridors, early frameworks and conceptualizations, and policy and regulation. It looks at early ideas and frameworks for adding sustainability to transport planning. It discusses different methods used before to model and evaluate corridors. It talks about policies and regulations related to sustainability in corridors. It mentions recent research on sustainable infrastructure and green corridors. It also covers studies on social and economic impacts of corridors. The importance of using multiple transport modes is highlighted from other papers. The review also addresses modeling and assessment techniques, including the need for reliable data and robust models, and the role of policy-driven research in shaping sustainable transport corridors Some established models used in Europe are explained. The need for new flexible models like the E-Net method proposed in this paper is shown based on limitations of current models.

The section concludes with an overview of the concept of green corridors and the challenges and prospective projects in developing logistics systems like the New Silk Road.

3. Materials and Methods

This section presents a methodology for modeling sustainable transport corridors using Evaluation Petri nets (E-Nets). It first introduces the concept of green transport corridors as multimodal networks designed for sustainability.

It then discusses the role of modeling as a tool for a holistic approach to developing sustainable corridors. Modeling helps in understanding, analysis, prediction and decision support across strategic, tactical and operational levels.

A taxonomy of sustainability indicators for transport corridors is proposed, categorizing them into environmental, social, economic, technical, governance, evaluation and integration factors.

The paper explains how E-Nets are well-suited for modeling the complex, concurrent and dynamic aspects of transport corridors. It provides a step-by-step methodology for constructing an E-Net model incorporating sustainability KPIs as transitions and positions within the net structure.

Mathematical functions for quantifying time delays at each transition are described, capturing real-world factors influencing corridor efficiency. The methodology's flexibility, customizability and iterative refinement process are highlighted.

An elementary E-Net model is presented representing a simplified national corridor segment. The transformation to a more complex E-Net integrating multiple sustainability factors is explained.

4. Results

The study proposes a structured taxonomy categorizing sustainability into seven domains: Environmental, Economic, Social, Technical and Operational Sustainability, Governance and Policy, Measurement Monitoring and Evaluation, and Integration and Systemic Approach. This taxonomy serves as a blueprint for identifying, categorizing, and prioritizing sustainable practices within corridors, aiding policymakers, researchers, and practitioners in developing transport pathways that are economically viable, environmentally sound, and socially responsible.

A case study is presented applying the E-Net modeling approach to an international transport corridor between Asia and Europe. The corridor route is mapped out across multiple countries. The paper includes a case study that applies the proposed methodology to an international transport corridor, specifically focusing on a national section in Kazakhstan.

An elementary E-Net model is used to represent this corridor, with positions denoting transit points and transitions encapsulating transportation between them.

The methodology for transforming a simple E-Net into a more complex model integrating sustainability factors is demonstrated. Additional transitions and positions are introduced reflecting KPIs across environmental, social, economic and technical dimensions.

Mathematical functions that can be used to model time delays at E-Net transitions are provided, capturing real-world dynamics like congestion, processing times, and sustainability impacts.

The ability to extend the E-Net approach to lower level corridor segments, enabling detailed micro-level analysis, is explained. KPIs and time delay models can be tailored to each section.

Key innovations and impacts of the E-Net modeling methodology are highlighted, including integration of sustainability factors, dynamic simulation capabilities, quantitative KPI analysis, and flexibility.

The alignment of E-Net components with strategic, tactical and operational management levels is discussed.

5. Discussion

The development of the Petri net model for sustainable transport corridor involves several key steps: network decomposition, sustainability taxonomy, Petri net construction, parameterization, simulation, analysis, improvement, validation, refinement, and adaptation. This methodology integrates sustainability factors into the transport corridor modeling, allowing for the quantification of sustainability KPIs within a dynamic simulation model. It enables the identification of inefficiencies and bottlenecks, testing various scenarios for improvements, and offers a flexible framework that can be customized for different transport corridors.

The paper discusses the role of modeling in analyzing transport corridors, highlighting its contributions in comprehensive understanding, predictive insights, decision support, stakeholder engagement, adaptive management, integration of multi-disciplinary data, and future preparedness. These aspects underline the significance of modeling in transforming transport corridors to be sustainable and adaptable to future challenges.

The paper analyzes how the E-Net model can be useful for logistics managers to make decisions and identify improvements. It also discusses how the model contributes new ideas for modeling transport corridors using Petri nets. Some future research directions are suggested to make the models even better, like adding real-time data and optimization.

The paper explains the benefits but also limitations of using E-Nets for modeling. It highlights the innovative parts of the methodology proposed. It emphasizes how the model can be applied to real-world transport planning and infrastructure decisions.

The links between the E-Net tool, sustainability concepts, and the modeling methodology are connected. How they work together to understand and improve sustainable transport corridors is analyzed.

6. Conclusion

The paper presents an innovative approach to sustainable transport corridor modeling using Petri nets, focusing on a comprehensive taxonomy of sustainability and the development of a Sustainable Infrastructure Rating. This approach is vital for the transition towards transport corridors that are not only economically robust but also environmentally conscious and socially responsible. The results and discussion emphasize the importance of holistic and integrative modeling in achieving sustainable transport corridors, aligning with global sustainability goals.

This entry is adapted from the peer-reviewed paper 10.3390/su16020489

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