Application of Queuing Theory in Spatial Planning:

Abstract

In physical development planning, the question of the size of space to be allocated for a particular use often poses a great challenge to the planner. The main challenge lies in the process of arriving at an objective decision, on the issue of the optimal size of the space. This paper looks at the problem of allocation of physical space, by examining the queuing problem, where customers who deserve service, queue-up at the facility that offers the service. To address the issue, a highway transportation weigh-bridge, where vehicles queue-up for axle weighing on a busy highway was chosen. Data relating to queue formation, vehicle identification, physical dimensions of the individual vehicles, times of arrival and times of departure after service is rendered, were recorded. Through the use of standard queuing models, the arrival rate, service rate and the other relevant system parameters of performance were derived. The study found that, the efficiency of the system can be enhanced through the optimization of the allocated space-size, the number of service delivery facilities, on-site queue management and the use of superior technology. Additionally, by analyzing the utilization factor, queuing models can be used to identify uneconomical operational queuing systems. The optimal size of space needed for a facility can be determined reliably through the adoption of a mix of any selected parameters of performance at a site and the decision on how and when to optimize the system can be arrived at through the use of queuing models