Applications of the platform-container system for intermodal transport of goods : concepts, logistic and strength solutions

Abstract

PURPOSE: This article provides a brief overview of solutions for attaching the rail/roadplatform to the surface of a carrier-rail wagon or road vehicle using standard container connectors, solutions of using the container platform system with range of transported goods, including FEM and multibody simulations.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A platform-container for intermodal transport of goods is presented, including original methodology appropriately in numerical tests. An example solutions using container platform system is proposed, along with results of MBS simulation of the container platform during hook lifting.

FINDINGS: Selected technical and logistical aspects of the use of platform-container with FEM and MBS simulation are discussed.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The article highlights the solutions and concepts for using the container-platform system, selected possibility of expanding the range of transported goods, and selected results of multi-variant simulation tests of the container-platform.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: An innovative platform-container for intermodal transport of goods is proposed. The platform is cheap, easy-to-build bacis module and multiplatform sets, obtained by connecting basic modules with dimensions corresponding to typical rail containers 10-foot, 20-foot or larger wich can be used to support intermodal rail-road transport of wooden and metal logs, including pipes, products transported on pallets, sheet metal in coils and loose materials.