In this paper, we deal with modeling the optimal maintenance schedule for track irregularities. Through appropriate maintenance work, railway track irregularities must be kept at a satisfactory level with the minimum tamping cost. In practice, however, most of maintenance strategies focus only on sustaining railway track irregularities at an allowable limit without consideration on how to minimize the maintenance cost. In order to determine economical maintenance strategites, we have developed an integer programming model for an optimal schedule of multiple tie tamper (MTT) operation by considering both minimizing maintenance costs and keeping such level of track irregularities as ensures riding quality and safety. By using the model, we can obtain the optimal tamping schedule of an MTT. The schedule indicates the sections for which tamping must be executed in a specified term. Then, we have applied the model to an actual railway network system and based on the results confirmed that it is effective and useful.

Copyright (c) 2006 Railway Technical Research Institute