Track Maintenance Planning Using Forecasting Software
Date
1988
Authors
Zarembski, Allan M.
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Abstract
Traditional track maintenance practices relied on subjective evaluation of the condition of the track by local inspectors and field maintenance staff. Their reports were sent to a headquarters office where they were incorporated in an overall programme for the rail system. As railway networks increase in size and complexity and costs continue to rise, it becomes even more important to carry out track maintenance efficiently and economically, using large amounts of objective data. LIMITED BUDGETS and resources for maintenance programmes based on subjective evaluation meant that inspectors were barely able to keep up with serious track conditions or failures. Crisis management dominated maintenance activities, and staff could never catch up with deteriorating conditions. Maintenance could not be properly planned und costs could not be accurately assessed. This made It impossible to use efficient and cost-effective maintenance procedures. Even on larger systems that manage to stay ahead of the deterioration of the track structure, budget planning re- mains a black art, with next year's budget generally based on the previous year's, plus a suitable inflation factor. In the event of a decline in operating revenues, a suitable cut in maintenance budgets is made. Realistic planning and costing are generally not possible. In addition, most railway systems do not have effective and accessible in- formation about the condition of their track structure. This information generally exists, but often it cannot be quickly found and used.
Description
Keywords
Track maintenance
Citation
Zarembski, A. M., “Track Maintenance Planning Using Forecasting Software”, Railway Technology International, 1988.