Geometrical degradation of switches and crossings on a Swedish heavy haul railroad : a case study

• Switches and crossings (S&Cs) are one of the most critical components of railway track systems in terms of safety, operation and maintenance. Each year, a considerable part of the maintenance budget is spent on inspection, maintenance and renewal of S&Cs. However, applying a cost-effective maintenance strategy helps to achieve the best performance at the lowest possible cost. In Sweden, the geometry of S&Cs is inspected at pre-defined time intervals by the STRIX track measurement car. In this paper, time series for the measured longitudinal level of S&Cs on the Iron Ore Line (Malmbanan) in northern Sweden have been used. Two parameters have been defined in this study, namely the absolute residual area (ARa) and the maximum settlement (Smax), to analyse the geometrical degradation of switches and crossings due to dynamic forces generated from train traffic. The paper also evaluates the growth rate of the longitudinal level degradation as a function of million gross tonnes (MGT). The results facilitate correct decision making in the maintenance process through understanding the degradation rate and defining the optimal maintenance thresholds for the planning process. In the long run this will lead to a cost-effective maintenance strategy with optimized inspection and maintenance intervals.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Samhällsbyggnadsteknik -- Annan samhällsbyggnadsteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Civil Engineering -- Other Civil Engineering (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Drift och underhållsteknik

Operation and Maintenance

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

kon (subject category)