The rail industry’s maintenance costs incorporate an enormous
proportion of the operational costs of any rail operator and track
owner. This project aims to provide an optimal rail grinding and
lubrication approach by developing a decision model based on
predicted operational risks. The model would work to establish
optimum intervals for grinding, and appropriate strategies for
lubrication, inspection and rail replacement. The specific
objectives of the project are to 1) develop an integrated
wear-fatigue-lubrication model for predicting degradation for
various curves, tonnage and traffic conditions 2) develop economic
models and risk analysis for informed strategic decisions related
to rail/wheel maintenance decisions and operational risks and 3)
develop a database for assessing the effectiveness of various
lubricants.
Benefits to the industry of this project include:
- Reduced cost of rail grinding
- Reduced risk of derailment
- Enhanced life of rail and wheels
- Higher productivity from heavier and longer trains
- Prediction of operational risks
- Economic decision models for wheel and rail maintenance
- Knowledge of the most appropriate lubricants
The project was evaluated by STEM Partnerships in 2005 and it was
estimated to have the potential to deliver a risk-free-value to the
rail industry of $17 million over the next 15 years. Taking into
account risks involved in delivering the technology, the expected
value is almost $10 million.
Results to date:
- Commenced collection of field and survey data on lubrication
effectiveness
- Commenced review of existing technologies and knowledge on
wear/fatigue/lubrication prediction and prevention
- Commenced collection and analysis of field and laboratory data for
wear/fatigue/lubrication interaction.
Future outcomes:
- Completion of economic model, wear-fatigue-lubrication model and
database.
Project Leader: Dr Gopi Chattopadhyay (QUT)
Project Manager: Mr John Powell (QR)
