95677 - Transport Systems Engineering M

Learning outcomes

The course deals will the analysis of transport networks and their performances due to the interactions among the several transport elements. Transport systems are the results of the interactions among several elements that affect one another both in both direct and indirect ways. The course wants to provide students with specific knowledge on the simulation, analysis and planning of transport systems by modeling transport demand and transport supply. More in details, the main educational goals are: 1) Acquisition of specific knowledge to address the typical problems of transport engineering with a systemic approach, in particular for the quantitative estimation of the effects produced by designed solutions. 2) Ability to design and plan transport elements based on a system approach – by operating also in interdisciplinary working groups – with the use of mathematical models that could require a specific calibration for the faced problem. 3) Ability to understand and identify advantages and applicability limits of the obtained solutions, with particular reference to the availability of resources and to the effects of the proposed solutions. 4) Ability to organize the results of the studies carried out in technical papers (text and graphics); operate at a professional level in design groups; publicly present the results obtained. 5) Ability to deal with transport engineering issues at a professional level and to update autonomously the acquired skills.

Course contents

The concept of Transport System and tools for planning and design.

The transport supply model: graph theory, weighted graphs, concept of a Transport Network; mathematical representation of the supply model; continuous and discontinuous supply systems; urban public transport supply model.

The transport demand model: main space-time characteristics; Random Utility Models: theoretical aspects and application limitations; four-stage demand model and hierarchical choice dimensions; calibration and validation of demand models; direct estimation: sample surveys and update from traffic flow counts.

Assignment models: formalization and classification of assignment models; Network Load Assignment and Equilibrium Assignment; algorithms for solving assignment problems.

Mobility perspectives: Innovative Transport Systems: inclusive mobility; demand management; reducing impacts through the use of transportation system planning/design tools and technological tools.

Exercises: the exercises will cover the application of the different methods/models illustrated during the course. Depending on the conditions, the application of the different methods/models can be applied to design test cases: suitable information will be given at the beginning of the course.

Readings/Bibliography

Apart from lesson notes autonomously written by students, the following books are suggested:

Cascetta E. (2001) “Transportation systems engineering: theory and methods”, Kluwer Academic Press, Dordrecht, The Netherlands.

Di Gangi M., Postorino M.N. (2005) "Modelli e procedure per l'analisi dei sistemi di trasporto : esercizi ed applicazioni", FrancoAngeli, Italia.

Teaching methods

Lectures and Practical / Workshops.

The course includes theoretical and practical activities in the classroom to facilitate learning of the contents.

Assessment methods

Written test made by theoretical and practical questions. Questions will concern the course contents, as described in the detailed program. The goal of the written test is to evaluate students’ knowledge and their ability to apply such knowledge in a working environment by using a system approach able to link the functional design of a single transport element to the transport network analysis and the produced effects.

Regular class attendance is strongly recommended for effective learning, included assessment purposes, as practical examples and application cases are offered during the lectures. This allows students to integrate theoretical aspects with practical ones.

Regarding learning assessments, the use of AI is prohibited. Any use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Office hours

See the website of Maria Nadia Postorino