TRANSPORT SYSTEMS

We face theoretical and applied research on Transport Systems, observing and modelling mobility and external logistics, as well as engineering and functionally designing transport infrastructures and installations, with related operation. Finding sustainable solutions for matching transport demand and supply is one of the main objectives of our research group. A multidisciplinary approach is pursued through consolidated relations with colleagues ad experts of various fields as automotive engineering, energy and electrical engineering, ICT,  economists, urban planners and operation researchers.

The main results of our research activities are disseminated both though scientific papers published in high ranking journals and through technical journals. We actively collaborate at the national level in initiatives proposed by Ministries, Local Authorities and private companies, and we are involved in European funded research projects such as eCo-FEV, METPEX, STARS, SUITS, TInnGO, INCIT-EV 

Our research covers the following key themes (the names of the main academicians working on each theme are pointed out in brackets):

Engineering and operation of transport installations and systems (Dalla Chiara, Caballini): engineering, analysis and performances of rail systems and undergrounds - including control, signalling and the operation of trains – as well as of ropeways and people movers, together with the study of their co-modality and intermodal usage.

Methods and techniques for observing, characterising and modelling mobility and transport supply (Deflorio, Diana, Carboni): mobility, traffic and networks are modelled, also in simulation, for the quantitative evaluationof relevant impacts.

Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) (Dalla Chiara, Deflorio, Diana, Carboni): integration and application of ICT within transport systems and their components, with related signalling, control and assessments.

Design and implementation of surveys in the transport field and analysis of mobility data (Diana): statistical data analysis - including data mining - and machine learning techniques applied to the transport domain and passenger satisfaction; attitudinal surveys and simulation modelling to study the relationships between modal diversion and transport policy measures.

External logistics (Caballini, Dalla Chiara, Deflorio, Carboni): engineering, designing, operation, organisation, and performance evaluation, as well as energy and economic aspects relating to rail-road combined transport, intermodal terminals and port-maritime logistics. The main methods used are simulation, technologies testing and optimisation techniques.

Rope transport systems, cableways (Dalla Chiara): engineering, design and operation of ropeways as well as non-destructive control on ropes, both for ski-resort areas and for urban applications (cable-driven automated people movers for public transport).

Traffic simulation and control of road traffic networks (Deflorio, Carboni): micro and macro simulation tools are used to represent relevant features of roads, traffic and control systems to test alternative scenarios and enhanced traffic management strategies.

Smart mobility and new services (Diana, Deflorio, Carboni): data analysis and modelling to investigate the introduction and the perception towards new urban mobility paradigms, such as plug-in electric vehicles, sharing mobility, autonomous vehicles, “Mobility as a Service” (MaaS).    

Sustainable transport systems and Climate Change (Dalla Chiara, Caballini, Deflorio, Diana, Carboni): planning, operation and technologies concerning energy consumption of transport modes, related to climate change: mitigation (less polluting transport) and adaptation (control of traffic flows in case of disruptions).

Cableways: non-destructive control of steel-wire ropes in operation

   

   

   

    Accessibility measure of the transport network for urban areas

   

   

   

    Traffic micro-simulation model at signalized intersections