Influence of track geometry condition monitoring on railway infrastructure maintenance processing

Abstract

This study analyzed the usage of data of track geometry measurement for railway infrastructure maintenance processing support and estimated its influence on railway infrastructure maintenance decision-making. Especially, the approach assessment of the influence of track geometry monitoring on railway infrastructure processing. The well-timed maintenance of the arrangement of railway tracks in allowable conditions is sufficient for the smooth and steady running of rail vehicles. The mechanism of track gauge widening during exploitation is usually gradual and relatively long-lasting. When are not detected in a timely manner, the final track failures often arise under the effect of additional factors, such as surpassed train speed limit, poorly maintained and functioning running gear of a rail vehicle, misalignment of rails, and extreme dynamical effects. A questionnaire considering the influence of the application of track geometry monitoring was formulated. An expert review was completed in order to perform a comparative analysis of the features of track geometry monitoring with the greatest influence on railway infrastructure maintenance processing. The data collected from respondents were processed using a multi-criterion estimation method, especially an interactive fuzzy linear assignment method. Finally, basic conclusions and considerations are given.