Application of Discrete-Event Methods in Transportation Engineering

Max-Plus-Algebra is an established method in DES (discrete event systems) theory, which is particularly useful for investigating cyclic processes, e.g. identifying bottlenecks and predicting propagation of delays. We applied it successfully to analyse the suburban train network of Stuttgart [11]. It can also be used for online rescheduling and, in combination with suitable continuous control, in a hierarchical feedback scheme for the overall control of transportation networks [12, 13].