A Simulation Model to Evaluate Decision Rules for Lock Operations on the Upper Mississippi River

We describe a discrete-event simulation model used to investigate the impact of alternative decision rules for operations in a congested section of the Upper Mississippi River navigation system. The model accommodates commercial vessels with different barge-tow configurations and recreational vessels. Activities vary by time of year, day of week and time of day. We reveal potential benefits of alternative priority dispatching rules and show their differential impact on vessels with different tow configurations