Pallet Loading Tool for Multimodal Transportation

1. Pallet Loading Tool for Multimodal Transportation OU10-DAC1 Project Team OU:Principal Investigator M. C. Altan, Ph.D. Co-Principal Investigator Z. Siddique, Ph.D. Co-Principal Investigator B. M. Pulat, Ph.D. DAC: Laura A. Fieffer, Jerry Beaver Project Motivation • There is a need to develop better and more efficient algorithms and associated tools for loading pallets in the most economical method to allow accurate estimate of multi-modal transport resources. Project Objectives Develop Efficient Algorithms such that: • Constraints related to center of gravity are satisfied • Maximum weight is not exceeded • Hazard classification rules are followed • Preferred pallet configuration layout is achieved • Minimum number of pallets is used Project Activities • Review and capture all current requirements • Develop an acceptable heuristic loading for pallet • Extend to multi-modal transportation loading • Develop a web-based interactive tool with 3D visualization Development Methodology Pallet Loading • Placement Algorithm • Volumetric loading • Pallet shape and size restrictions • Pyramid or rectangular pallet configuration • Loading Classification • Class and Compatibility Groups • Hazard Classification User Interface Design • Input • Item information • Pallet weight restrictions • Text/Excel input • Output • Item distribution by pallets • 3D visualization of each pallet • Excel output • Web-Based Multi-modal Transportation Previous Loading Tools Developed for Storage Configuration and Multi-modal Transportation Pallet Configuration