Optimal Design of Inland Waterway System to Increase Supply Chain Resilience
This project seeks to conduct research to develop mathematical models of supply chain network resilience that leverage the US inland waterway system. Extending the research conducted during year 1, which laid the foundation for developing advanced optimization and simulation methodologies to increase the resiliency of the inland waterway freight transportation system. Given the increasing threats from accidents, weather-related hazards, and terrorist attacks that have heightened risks for both freight and passenger transport systems, this project recognizes the pivotal role of inland waterways in mitigating these vulnerabilities. The resilience of intermodal systems, which are often significantly impacted by such events, leading to considerable economic losses, can be substantially improved by integrating inland waterways. This integration will be examined through the lens of network topology, investigating how different configurations and connectivity within the waterway system can influence key resilience metrics such as recovery time, system throughput, and adaptability in the face of disruptions. The expected deliverables include a characterization of resilient network topologies. A final synthesis report will present the research findings, including methodology, results, and recommendations for policymakers, stakeholders, and industry players. Reports will be shared with relevant stakeholders and research conferences, fostering public awareness of the benefits of inland waterway freight transport to increase supply chain resilience. The research endeavors seek to pave the way for a more resilient, interconnected, and environmentally friendly freight transportation network within the United States.
- Record URL:
Language
- English
Project
- Status: Active
- Funding: $163,976.00
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Contract Numbers:
69A3552348307
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Sponsor Organizations:
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology
University Transportation Centers Program
Department of Transportation
Washington, DC United States 20590 -
Managing Organizations:
Mid-America Transportation Center
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
2200 Vine Street, PO Box 830851
Lincoln, NE United States 68583-0851 -
Project Managers:
Stearns, Amy
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Performing Organizations:
University of Missouri, St. Louis
1 University Boulevard
St. Louis, MO United States 63121-4400 -
Principal Investigators:
Encarnación, Trilce
Li, Haitao
Bracy, Jill
- Start Date: 20240601
- Expected Completion Date: 20260630
- Actual Completion Date: 0
- USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Environmental impacts; Freight transportation; Inland waterways; Intermodal transportation; Supply chain management; Sustainable transportation
- Subject Areas: Environment; Freight Transportation; Marine Transportation; Planning and Forecasting;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01971688
- Record Type: Research project
- Source Agency: Mid-America Transportation Center
- Contract Numbers: 69A3552348307
- Files: UTC, RIP
- Created Date: Nov 18 2025 1:46PM