4190 Bell Engineering Center
1 University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
479-575-6021
martrec@uark.edu
Data Simulation to Support Interdependence Modeling of a Multimodal Transportation Network
The inland waterways in the United States (U.S.) are used to transport approximately
20% of America’s coal, 22% of U.S. petroleum products, and 60% of farm exports making
these waterways a significant contributor to the U.S. multimodal transportation system.
In this study, data about natural extreme events affecting inland waterways are collected
and used to predict possible occurrences of such events in the future using a spatio-temporal
statistical model. We also investigate the waterways disruptions effect on interconnected
transportation systems using a simulation tool built on a statistical model. The developed
methods are centered on inland waterways but can be used broadly for other local,
regional and national infrastructures. A case study based on the Mississippi River
and the McClellan–Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS) is provided to illustrate
the use of the simulation tool in interdependence modeling and decision making for
the operation of a multimodal transportation network. Simulated data will be derived
from actual data on interdependent critical infrastructures (ICIs). The ICIs related
data includes:
1) Inland waterway and ground transportation networks (e.g. road type and capacity
of road network).
2) Location of locks and dams.
3) Location of major ports and their top commodities.
4) Historical hydrological observation data at ports and locks including water depth,
changes in waterways, and the normal capacity of inland water transport.
5) Major types of cargo vessels and barges classified by their capacity and usual
transport speed.
6) Weather data covering the studied regions.
To use the simulation tool, please fill out the request form below in order to get the tool, its user manual and general instructions for it usage within 24 hours.