A comprehensive and integrated approach to MOW planning: Leveraging the power of linear asset management tools, track inspector assessments and automated track inspection data

摘要

Transits and railroads collect vast amounts of data with the intent of analyzing and managing the Maintenance-of-Way. One of the biggest challenges is developing a method to gather and analyze this disparate data efficiently and effectively. Many railways have terabytes of data including, but not limited to, track geometry, rail profile, contact rail geometry, catenary wire measurements, ultrasonic rail defects and track inspector defects. Managing this data and proactively prioritizing work is a tremendous challenge for all in the industry. This paper discusses how the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) developed a method to merge and exploit condition and work data into one integrated system. This paper will describe the methods used to gather and store data as well as analyze and prioritize the work in a way that is most germane to the rail industry. The system and methodology discussed will demonstrate the need to allow for new condition data types while utilizing an extensible technology framework.