By aligning the data to a high level of accuracy and housing all of the data sets in a single database with a common system of positioning, detailed modelling of the performance of the track asset under traffic has been undertaken, which has facilitated a better understanding of the localised response of the track to maintenance and renewal activities. When combined with knowledge and experience of materials behaviour and trackbed failure mechanisms it has been possible develop the models for various aspects of the track's behaviour and then validate this using statistical analysis and checks against actual track performance and deterioration rates. Ultimately the models and tools developed can be used to develop strategies for track maintenance and renewal that allow the asset owner to model future performance. These can be used on a network level to develop strategic plans for future year's operational expenditure, or on a more localised level to develop tactical asset management plans. These developments fit well with asset owners' desire to better understand the Whole Life Cost of their assets and properly target limited budgets - in the future it is intended that optimisation tools will be better developed within the system to take this aspect of the tools further. The model was developed initially in order to support TRE, a staged process of knowledge acquisition and trackbed investigation aimed at route upgrades. The missing link in the process was the ability to model the effects of proposed improvements to the trackbed on future track performance; justification was provided largely on the basis of engineering judgement. When used in conjunction with TRE the model will highlight where information is deficient and allow improved targeting of additional investigation. The accuracy of the model improves as the staged investigation proceeds. TAMP has now evolved as a multi-purpose package which incorporates versatile data presentation together with powerful predictive tools. This assists in the development of plans for long term capital investment and maintenance expenditure. Initially the system was developed to focus in track related performance, but already its use has been widened to consider earthworks assets and how their performance affects the track. The use of the system can be widened other railway assets and beyond to help the effective management of any linear asset.
展开▼
