Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2816-0260

Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Department

Industrial and Managements Systems Engineering

Committee Chair

Zeyu Liu

Committee Co-Chair

Imtiaz Ahmed

Committee Member

Hang Woon Lee

Abstract

Rapid growth in freight transportation in modern supply chains has led to increased operational costs, congestion, and severe environmental impacts, especially greenhouse gas emissions. Combining different modes, such as highway, railway, and waterway, intermodal transportation could thus offer considerable benefit to improve efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. However, most existing planning approaches rely on simplified assumptions, fixed schedules, and average cost estimates, making them less relevant to dealing with real-world uncertainties and disruptions. This study develops a simulation-optimization framework for intermodal freight transportation under disruption. We develop a mixed-integer programming model to represent an intermodal logistics planning framework on a multi-layered freight transportation network in theUnited States. The model determines routing, scheduling, and service network design decisions simultaneously, with the goal of reducing operating costs, carbon emission-related costs, and penalties due to late deliveries. To address computational complexity, a row-generation decomposition approach is introduced that leverages the structure of the model to handle nonlinear linking constraints. An agent-based simulation model is integrated to capture disruption impacts under complex operational interactions. This leads to a Simulation-Infused Decomposition (SID) algorithm that allows for efficient and reliable decision-making under uncertainty. Computational experiments based on real data demonstrate that SID improves solution efficiency and quality, while enhancing system resilience against disruptions. Such results are instrumental in designing more sustainable and disruption-resilient intermodal freight systems and, therefore, in the contribution toward carbon-neutral transportation.

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