2 PhD's on optimizing synchromodal transport networks for construction logistics

Logistics activities are major contributing factors to the construction sector's emissions. While synchromodal networks (combining road transport with alternative modes of transport) have shown significant benefits for cost and emission reduction in long-haul transport, they have not seen sufficient uptake in the construction industry where the national borders usually confine the flows. The high weight and volume that characterize construction and demolition cargo make water transportation an ideal candidate for reducing emissions.

The DINALOG project 'SYNERCIZE' (Synchromodal Transport Networks for a Construction Industry toward Zero Emissions) fosters long-term sustainable modal shift toward zero-emission waterways by (i) developing digital tools, (ii) optimizing and coordinating the day-to-day operations, (iii) designing networks which easily adapt to changing demand, and (iv) developing business models to support this shift. At TU/e, we will be working on the optimization and coordination of operations as well as the network design. We thus invite applications for two PhD students who are interested in working at the intersection of research and practice in collaboration with municipalities as well as construction companies, who like to further the state-of-the-art in decision-making algorithms for construction logistics, and who are eager to work toward a zero-emission construction industry.

Both PhD students will utilize and develop various methodologies from operations research and operations management, including combinatorial optimization, (deep) reinforcement learning, game theory, and simulation.
The first PhD student will work on designing flexible transport networks, which can include research on
Network design under multiple objectives such as cost and emissions.
Planning the development of synchromodal networks over time.
Policy-making to ensure synchromodal networks see sufficient uptake.

The second PhD student will work on operating flexible transport networks, which can include research on
Algorithms for routing and scheduling trucks and barges.
Algorithms for the integrated charging and operation of electric push barges.
Decentralized decision-making algorithms and incentive/pricing schemes for multiple decision-makers in the construction logistics chain.