Modeling a real-time decision support system for HazMat transportation in a sustainable oriented motorway of environment
Centrone, Giampaolo
2009-04-20
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Pesenti, Raffaele
Abstract
The combined effects of economic globalization, development of transport systems and new communication techniques have had a profound infuence on world development. The expansion of transport systems favors the increase of geographic mobility so that the existence of a complete highways network, adequately managed and maintained and with sufficient capacity, is essential for the good progress of the national economy. The expansion of transport systems is coupled with the rise in land prices and the increase of air and noise pollution. In this development, we observe that dangerous goods are used in many processes in industries all over the world and this has been justified by the economic revenue which is generated by their use. A dangerous good is any solid, liquid, or gas that can harm people, other living organisms, property, or the environment. They are often subject to chemical regulations. An equivalent term, used almost exclusively in the United States, is hazardous material (hazmat or HAZMAT). Due to its nature, every production, storage, and transportation activity related to the use of HAZMAT has many risks for both society and the environment. HAZMAT are transported throughout the world in a great number of road shipments. In spite of HAZMAT accidents being rare events, the commercial transport of HAZMAT can be catastrophic in nature and poses risks to life, health, property, and the environment due to the possibility of an unintentional release. In this scenario, a new factor has acquired more and more importance: sustainability. As a consequence, it is necessary to integrate risk mitigation and prevention measures into transport management in order to avoid the risks turning into real events. Three different topics are developed within the above framework. 1 - A business approach, named corporate sustainability, that creates longterm shareholder value by exploiting opportunities and managing risks deriving from economic, environmental and social developments. 2 - An assessment of risk and accident impacts related to dangerous goods transport with particular attention paid to HAZMAT on the road in a motorway environment. 3 - A DSS (Decision Support System) model for the management of the HAZMAT transportation.