A preliminary prototyping approach for emerging metro-based underground logistics systems: operation mechanism and facility layout

ABSTRACT

Developing a metro-based underground logistics system (M-ULS) to integrate freight activities into passenger rail transit networks is a sustainable option to improve urban traffic and mobility. This paper proposes innovative concepts for M-ULS prototypes. The system design uses knowledge from engineering practice, emerging initiatives, literature, and experts’ viewpoints. First, demand flows, hierarchies, and facility features of an M-ULS network are described, based on which the collaborative mechanism of shared metro passenger-goods transport, along with specialised packing and transportation strategies, are modelled and compared. Both overground and underground measures are envisaged for last-mile deliveries from metro to customers. Second, a hierarchical framework incorporating 37 key technologies that are necessary for M-ULS development is organised and evaluated. Third, interior layout schemes of a specific interchange metro station with logistics functions are designed. Underground space partitions at the platform layer and the station hall layer are visualised. The logistics workflows of the station are described in full. Evidence from literature and surveys indicates that the proposed M-ULS models are technically feasible, and their advantages and disadvantages are clear. This study contributes to providing a holistic decision support tool for the future planning and design of M-ULS and other rail-based freight transportation systems.

KEYWORDS:

• Metro-based underground logistics system (ULS)
• city logistics
• system prototype
• facility design
• operational planning

Acknowledgement

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grants no. 71631007, 71601095 and 71971214). The editors and anonymous reviewers of this paper are acknowledged for their constructive comments and suggestions.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China: [Grant Number 71601095,71631007,71971214].

Notes on contributors

Wanjie Hu

Wanjie Hu is a Ph.D. candidate in the College of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, China. His research interests include operations research, urban underground space planning and supply chain management, etc. Hu’s work about underground logistics system has been published in Computers & Industrial Engineering, Sustainable Cities and Society, and so on.

Jianjun Dong

Jianjun Dong is an associated professor in the College of Civil Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, China. He is also a visiting scholar in the Department of Building, National University of Singapore. He obtained his doctoral degree in civil engineering from Southeast University, China. Dong’s research interest covers construction safety, project management, system engineering and urban underground space planning, etc.

Bon-gang Hwang

Bon-Gang Hwang is Dean's Chair & Deputy Head in the Dep. of Building at National Univ. of Singapore. He received his MSE & Ph.D. in Constr. Engineering & Proj. Management from the University of Texas at Austin, USA. He has contributed over 150 publications in areas of management strategies & innovations for green construction projects, performance analytics & innovations, productivity innovations, risk management, and decision support systems.

Rui Ren

Rui Ren is an assistant professor in the College of Defense Engineering, Army Engineering University of PLA, China. She obtained her doctoral degree in national defense from Army Engineering University of PLA. Ren’s research focuses on planning and design of mega underground projects and civil air defense projects.

Zhilong Chen

Zhilong Chen is a professor in the College of Defense Engineering, Army Engineering University of PLA, China. He is the director of Underground Space Council in the Chinese Society of Rock Mechanics and Engineering. Chen’s research focuses on urban underground space planning, war-time infrastructure protection, land-use planning, etc. Relevant work has been published in Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, Underground Space, Sustainable Cities and Society and so on.