Prediction of speed limit on the railway track using track quality index and multibody dynamics simulation

Abstract

Abstract. The performance of track conditions must be thoroughly assessed to ensure the safe operation of the train that travels through the track. The Track Quality Index (TQI) is used to determine the condition of the railway track. The TQI value is a statistical summary of track geometry parameters measured over a specified track length. There are several methods used to analyze TQI including the Indonesian Railway standard (PT. KAI). The KAI’s analysis method of the TQI is a sum up of four parameters which are alignment, longitudinal level, cross-level, and track gauge. Moreover, TQI is used to determine the speed limit allowed for the train to pass through the track. A multibody dynamic system simulation was recently performed as a reference to compare track quality assessments based on driving safety and vertical loads on rails, in which one of the outputs is the speed limit. This result shows that the speed limit based on the multibody system is slightly lower at certain segments compared to the TQI.