External Module of the University of Vienna

The University of Vienna, as an external module of the JRC, studies the transportation and intermediate storage of semi-finished casting products, so-called steel slabs, inside a steel-producing plant. Within the scope of intra logistical optimisation efforts, the research emphasis is threefold. First, solve a pickup and delivery problem that addresses the transportation of steel slabs as they pass multiple production stages, all of which are carried out at different locations inside the plant. Second, address the storage of work-in-process materials during the time they are buffered in large (outdoor) storage yards, waiting to be fed into the next stage of the production process. As the storage yards are organised in rows and function as two-dimensional stacking areas, consisting of stacks built up by steel slabs being located on top of each other, it is of utmost importance to ensure that the stacks remain organised while being manipulated during steel slab pickups or deliveries. Third, increase productivity by pre-marshalling slab yard stacks. This refers to the reorganisation of stacks such that varietal purity of stacks is maintained by making sure that slabs of a certain order or type are stored closely together in a desired sequence.