1. Proceedings
  2. I3M
  3. 2021
  4. MAS
  5. 10.46354/i3m.2021.mas.006

Approach of flexible log yard design using discrete event simulation

  • a Marta Trzcianowska , 
  • b Daniel Beaudoin,
  • c Luc LeBel
  • a,b,c Department of Wood and Forest Sciences, Université Laval, 2405 Rue de la Terrasse, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
  • a,b,c FORAC Research Consortium, Université Laval, 1065 Avenue de la Médecine, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
Cite as
Trzcianowska M., Beaudoin D., LeBel Luc (2021). Approach of flexible log yard design using discrete event simulation. Proceedings of the 20th International Conference on Modeling & Applied Simulation (MAS 2021), pp. 48-56. DOI: https://doi.org/10.46354/i3m.2021.mas.006

Abstract

Log yards play an essential role in the proper functioning of the wood supply chain. In Nordic climate, the design and operations of log yards are highly influenced by a seasonality of forest operations. The aim of this paper was to propose an approach to take into account the seasonality of wood supply operations in the log yard design procedure. Our approach integrates flexible design decisions of the log yard into the static design method proposed by Hampton in the 1980s. The process of evaluating the performance of the proposed designs was enhanced with the discrete event simulation. The application of the method in order to evaluate flexible design decisions for seasonal adaptation is demonstrated using a case in an existing log yard in Quebec, Canada. Results indicate that the log yard performance can be improved by the integration of flexible design decisions to seasonal operational conditions. The simulation provided insight into the importance of physical layout and proper use of yard equipment.

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