Palese, J. W.Zarembski, Allan M.2022-05-022022-05-021993-06Zarembski, A. M., & Palese, J. W., “Rail Maintenance Planning Using Computerized Rail Forecasting Models”, Conference on Track Maintenance Practices on Suburban and Mass Transit Railways, Hong Kong, June 1993.https://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/30837This paper presents the development and use of rail life forecasting models for rail maintenance planning. This class of rail life forecasting models make use of computerized life prediction models to calculate the replacement life of the rail due to its major failure mechanisms, wear and fatigue. By using these mechanistic dependent failure models to predict the life and thus the replacement point of the rail, it is possible to forecast capital, as well as maintenance, requirements; for both short and long term. Also by knowing where and when the rail must be replaced, it permits more accurate planning and scheduling of the; rail maintenance activities. The use of this type of forecasting model on a North American railway is illustrated together with an example of a specific application.Rail lifeFailure mechanismsPresentation