Research in transport planning focuses on the establishment of planning parameters and methodology which would better suit local conditions. This is because those used in western countries may not be appropriate due to differences in trip making pattern, driver behaviour, car ownership and public transport levels, policies as well as other local conditions. Such differences can result in poorly planned facilities. Several of the Centre's projects have investigated the applicability of western planning standards to this region and established more appropriate planning parameters for local conditions. For example, CTS has developed trip and parking generation rates for major land uses in Singapore; passenger car equivalents of various types of vehicles for Singapore roads, and capacity estimates of different categories of Singapore roads.
A major area of research is mathematical/computer modelling of transport systems which focuses on the development of tools to enhance the planning and operation of these systems, and to assist in congestion management. For example, models have been developed for the estimation of capacity of a sea space in a port to assist in port planning and management. Algorithms have also been developed for the automatic detection of incidents on expressways based on changes in traffic flow parameters. In congestion management, the emphasis is on traffic flow analysis. One key issue is the prediction of traffic conditions (i.e. speed or travel time) associated with various traffic levels. To this end, traffic speed-flow models for expressways, arterial roads, and high-speed arterial roads/semi-expressways had been developed. These are also used in the evaluation and planning of new road networks.
In the field of air transportation, CTS faculty has vast experience in aviation-related teaching and research, as well as worked on consultancy projects for over 20 airports in Asia, North America and the South Pacific. A number of analytical and computer models have been developed to assist in these efforts. For example, models have been developed to estimate the capacity of the airspace around an airport, simulate movements of aircraft in the terminal airspace for airspace planning and delay analysis. These models provide tools for the systematic analysis of alternative configuration and operating procedures so that their benefits and disadvantages can be evaluated on a consistent basis. This allows the planner to study the impact of different concepts so that proper planning and design can be carried out. Efforts are continuing to develop an integrated software package for the planning, design, and operation of airports which will include models for the planning and design of passenger terminals, gate assignment, and estimation of air traffic controller workload.
CTS faculty has good working relationship with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and together offer a Graduate Diploma programme in Airport Engineering which is an internationally-recognised professional qualification. The programme provides the students academic and practical knowledge of airport engineering, as well as prepares them for carrying out research in aviation-related issues.
The emphasis of research in Pavement Materials and Technology is mainly on the characterisation of non-conventional materials suitable for use in pavements in Singapore and the region. These materials include wastes and industrial by-products. The use of such materials in pavements provides an environmentally-friendly way of disposing such wastes. CTS has successfully completed studies on the use of incinerator residues in asphalt concrete and in paving blocks. In cooperation with a private company, CTS has also shown the feasibility of using steel slag aggregates in asphalt road surfacing.
Another area of research is the design of asphalt mixes more suited to the local climate and environment in order to enhance pavement performance and reduce maintenance costs.
In logistics, the research is mainly focused on issues that can enhance Singapore’s role as a logistics hub in view of her active port and airport operations. Important issues are: supply chain optimization, freight transportation, warehousing and distribution, ship routing and scheduling, cold chain operations and applications of advanced technologies in logistics. Research projects in supply chain optimization look into methodologies and state-of-the-art applications of operation research in designing complex and sophisticated supply chain networks. Freight transportation efficiencies are investigated through applications of track-and-trace technologies and development of intelligent fleet management systems, while warehousing and distribution study specific problems facing specific industries, such as cold chain operations. Ship routing and scheduling are important in view of the rising competition in shipping e.g. a project to develop an optimum ship liner service planning system is currently undertaken with collaborating partners from the shipping industry and the authority.
