Volume 15 (2014): Edition 2 (June 2014)

In this paper, a method has been developed based on historic traffic data (vehicle speed), which helps the commuters to choose routes by their intelligence knowing the traffic conditions in Google maps. Data has been collected on basis of video analysis from several segments between Tuker Bazar and Bandar Bazar route. For each of the video footage, a reference length has been recorded with measurement tape for use in video analysis. Software has been also developed based on Java language to get the traffic information from historic data, which shows the output as images consisting of traffic speed details on the available routes by giving day and time limit as inputs. The developed models provide useful insights and helpful for the policy makers that can lead to the reduction of traffic congestion and increase the scope of intelligence of the road users, at least for the underdeveloped or developing country where navigation is still unavailable.

The problem of measuring road vehicle’s weight-in-motion (WIM) is important for overload enforcement, road maintenance planning and cargo fleet managing, control of the legal use of the transport infrastructure, road surface protection from the early destruction and for the safety on the roads. The fibre-optic sensors (FOS) functionality is based on the changes in the parameters of the optical signal due to the deformation of the optical fibre under the weight of the crossing vehicle. A fibre-optic sensor responds to the deformation, therefore for WIM measurements it is necessary to estimate the impact area of a wheel on the working surface of the sensor called tyre footprint. This information is used further for the estimation of the vehicle wheel’s speed, contact width, length, and, finally, axle’s weight while in motion. Recorded signals from a truck passing over a group of FOS with various speeds and known weight are used as an input data. The results of the several laboratory and field experiments with FOS, e.g. load characteristics according to the temperature, contact surface width and loading speed impact, are provided here. The method of initial signal deconvolution on symmetric and asymmetric components provides the chance to approximate geometric size of tyre surface footprint as well as calculate weight on each wheel separately. The examples of the estimation of a truck speed, tyre contact surface footprint parameters using FOS signals are discussed in this article.

Currently, ferry services are widespread in Europe, the Baltic States, the CIS and they continue to progress rapidly despite the unstable global economy. An activity of modern cargo-and-passenger fleet is based on nevertheless the perspective of stable profit generation. In conditions of ferry market instability, the important task is to ensure the break-even analysis in operation of vessels and justification of relevant quantitative indicators. At the same time, when managing the production activity of the ferry operators and, in particular, when analysing the ferry operation the indicator of its financial safety factor is of great importance. This paper refines static indicators and determines dynamic indicators of critical quantity of cargoes and passengers in ferry loading; gives analytical method of its justification; develops analytical method and presents graphical method of financial safety factor estimation when loading of cargo only or boarding of passengers only, as well as performing composite actions - loading of cargoes and picking up passengers.

Reliability is one of the most important characteristics of the functioning of supply chains. The carried out analysis have shown that, despite some progress, a number of questions remain open, in particular, the terminology, the selection of key indicators and methods of their calculation as well as there is no economic evaluation of redundant and restorable supply chains. The paper presents a formed conceptual apparatus of logistics systems' reliability theory, the discrete-continuous model of the simple supply chain’s functioning as well as it contains the proposal to assess the reliability not only with the help of faultlessness but as well by using the leading function of costs associated with the maintenance of supply chains’ operability

Changing factors (mainly traffic intensity and weather conditions) affecting road conditions require a suitable optimal speed at any time. To solve this problem, variable speed limit systems (VSL) - as opposed to fixed limits - have been developed in recent decades. This term has included a number of speed management systems, most notably dynamic speed limits (DSL). In order to avoid the indiscriminate use of both terms in the literature, this paper proposes a simple classification and offers a review of some experiences, how their effects are evaluated and their results This study also presents a key indicator which measures the speed homogeneity and a methodology to obtain the data based on floating cars and GPS technology applying it to a case study on a section of the M30 urban motorway in Madrid (Spain). It also presents the relation between this indicator and road performance and emissions values.

Road traffic flows on a straight road segment such as bridges are modelled in this article. The mathematical model of traffic flows has been constructed by using the method of lumped parameters. Changeable lane direction and road pricing has been theoretically investigated in order to understand the shifting in supply and/or demand curves of traffic participants in equilibrium. The article presents assumptions for constructing the mathematical model. Demand can be influenced by road pricing, in its turn, supply can be influenced by extension of infrastructure with reversible lanes.

In the world railways are organized in two ways. In one case, infrastructure management and organization of traffic and commercial activities are integrated at the level of one of the enterprise whereas in the other case the functions of the carrier and the manager of the infrastructure are separated. This article addresses approaches of different scientists and politicians on both forms. The analysis of the case of Lithuania has been carried out. The case of Lithuania is a typical one - historically the railways have had a monopoly with the infrastructure and transportation not separated. This article presents a critical view of theoretical pros and cons of both the models.