Engineering Services Technical Presentation: Automating On-dock Intermodal – Port of Los Angeles’ New TraPac ICTF
(Room Sagamore Ballroom)
18 Sep 17
10:15 AM
-
10:45 AM
Tracks:
AREMA Full Program, AREMA Technical Sessions- Engineering Services
The Port of Los Angeles (POLA) recently completed the $72 million Berths 142-147 ICTF project as part of the 135 acre TraPac Terminal redevelopment. This state-of-the-art automated container terminal has a projected annual throughput capacity of 2.4 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs), 600,000 of which will move through the ICTF. The semi-automated on-dock intermodal yard (IY) is a key feature of this major redevelopment, with eight working tracks averaging 2,600 feet in length (30,000 track-ft overall) and wide-span rail mounted gantry (RMG) cranes. The on-dock IY has many automation enabling elements including: Optical character recognition (OCR) and Automatic Equipment Identification (AEI) technology; remotely controlled switches; advanced red flag/blue flag safety systems; Train-in-motion system; automated container handling technology; and full in-ground train brake airing system, making it one of the most technologically advanced on-dock rail facilities in the United States. This paper will focus on the key infrastructure enabling automation, intermodal yard characteristics, operations, and equipment. We will discuss: • Facility overview, including layout, track spacing, cross section, crane span, fencing, and safety systems; • Rail access, including interim operational restrictions due to at-grade crossings and planned remedies; • IY operations and equipment, including: details about the automated IY buffer management; coning and railcar repair crew equipment and protocols; remotely controlled wide-span RMG cranes; and all the key infrastructure that enables increased productivity; • Lessons learned, including: onsite crane erection; early 3rd party vendor integration; pavement; and going live. The paper will conclude with takeaways for planning and implementing the next generation of intermodal yards.