In the transport system, the trains have cemented their placed to the extent that many economies could stop in case they were to completely fail. In fact, they have provided the most viable solution to jam in large cities like New York and London. With no sign of being displaced by other transportation methods in future, the current focus is more on designing better performing vehicles in terms of speed efficiency and durability. One thing that cannot escape on the mind of engineers however the railroad track maintenance, as this is can cripple the whole system.
The railroad as frequently affected and damaged by environmental factors like temperature changes, floods, earth quakes, volcanic related factors and many physical activities. As if this is not enough, the trains traveling on them vary in weight and speed. Other than damages resulting from vibrations, the physical wear and tear is unavoidable.
The problem is normally solved through one of two approaches depending on the overall objective. It can be through the minimal tolerance or the desirable tolerance. There is just a small difference between the two. The minimal tolerance targets at making the rail line safe for use while the desirable tolerance focus on comfort of those using it such as the passengers and staff. This means that desirable standards require more frequent and detailed maintenance job.
The objective of safety and comfort means that the desirable tolerance level is the best approach. It achieves this by determining the tolerable level that is comfortable enough but is economically viable. In order to achieve this, many factors must be balanced.
To start with, the original design is very crucial. For instance, was it laid on CWR or jointed track? Is it straightened and curved or transitions are used? What formation materials were used? These are some of the question that must be answered in regards to the original design. The other issues to considered include but not limited to traffic mix, the traffic speed and the tonnage. These factors with be the basis of formulating the frequencies and level of inspection and maintenance.
The data from inspection normally provide the basis for work. In most cases, the High Speed Track Recording Coach (HSTRC) is normally used to measure a number of parameters from the railway line. Some of these are the alignment, the gauge, the dynamic cross level, the 3-meter twist, 5-meter twist, top-left above and below datum and the top-right above and below datum. The focus is to maintain zero dynamic level variation, with minimal alignment variation from the design.
The line should be made as smooth as possible to eliminate vibrations, and as such, allow for passengers comfort even at high speed. The economic aspect of this project is also analyzed with the aim being to achieve maximum comfort, no derailment and general perfection all at minimal possible cost.
The railroad track maintenance should not be the basis for interrupting services. In fact, it should be schedule in a way that the company is still able to gain the maximum revenue while guaranteeing the comfort and safety of the passengers and staff members.
The railroad as frequently affected and damaged by environmental factors like temperature changes, floods, earth quakes, volcanic related factors and many physical activities. As if this is not enough, the trains traveling on them vary in weight and speed. Other than damages resulting from vibrations, the physical wear and tear is unavoidable.
The problem is normally solved through one of two approaches depending on the overall objective. It can be through the minimal tolerance or the desirable tolerance. There is just a small difference between the two. The minimal tolerance targets at making the rail line safe for use while the desirable tolerance focus on comfort of those using it such as the passengers and staff. This means that desirable standards require more frequent and detailed maintenance job.
The objective of safety and comfort means that the desirable tolerance level is the best approach. It achieves this by determining the tolerable level that is comfortable enough but is economically viable. In order to achieve this, many factors must be balanced.
To start with, the original design is very crucial. For instance, was it laid on CWR or jointed track? Is it straightened and curved or transitions are used? What formation materials were used? These are some of the question that must be answered in regards to the original design. The other issues to considered include but not limited to traffic mix, the traffic speed and the tonnage. These factors with be the basis of formulating the frequencies and level of inspection and maintenance.
The data from inspection normally provide the basis for work. In most cases, the High Speed Track Recording Coach (HSTRC) is normally used to measure a number of parameters from the railway line. Some of these are the alignment, the gauge, the dynamic cross level, the 3-meter twist, 5-meter twist, top-left above and below datum and the top-right above and below datum. The focus is to maintain zero dynamic level variation, with minimal alignment variation from the design.
The line should be made as smooth as possible to eliminate vibrations, and as such, allow for passengers comfort even at high speed. The economic aspect of this project is also analyzed with the aim being to achieve maximum comfort, no derailment and general perfection all at minimal possible cost.
The railroad track maintenance should not be the basis for interrupting services. In fact, it should be schedule in a way that the company is still able to gain the maximum revenue while guaranteeing the comfort and safety of the passengers and staff members.
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