Author(s)

S.F. Broomhead & J.M. Tunna

Abstract

Deciding when and where to use a tamping machine to improve track geometry is a problem faced by all permanent way engineers. The problem is made harder when resources or access to the track is limited. On British Rail, engineers are currently using a decision support system developed by BR Research. The system uses recordings from track geometry cars to determine the behaviour of each small section of track. A range of different planning strategies can be explored and the effects on track geometry can be monitored. The engineer is shown the results in graphical form and can also see details of components and structures. This paper describes the models and algorithms used by the system and indicates the benefits that can be derived from its use. 1 Maintenance Planning on British Railways On the 1st April 1994 the ow

Keywords