Simulation Study on an ICT-Based Maritime Management and Safety Framework for Movable Bridges

Abstract

Maritime management is a crucial concern for movable bridge safety. Irregular management of water vehicles near movable bridges may lead to collision among ships and bridge infrastructures, causing massive losses of life and property. The paper presents a theoretical framework and simulation of an intelligent water vehicle management system for movable bridges corresponding to vehicle traffic responses. The water regime around the bridge is considered in virtually separated domains to estimate the desired safety actions based on the position of the approaching ships. An emergency clash avoidance control system is represented to prevent ship-infrastructure collision and ensure transportation safety. In addition, a simulation platform is developed specifically adaptable for movable bridge maritime and dynamic traffic management. The proposed theory is experimented using the simulation platform for different ship speeds and bridge-vehicle traffic volumes. Based on analyzing the velocity profile of approaching ships at different incidents, the bridge is found incapable of evacuating vehicles and unable to open promptly in case of speeding ships and high traffic density of vehicles on the bridge. Computational results show that the emergency control system is effective in reducing ship speed and prevent certain collisions. Lastly, the transportation policy for the newly proposed maritime management system is validated by real-world implementation in movable bridges across the world.