Configuration of the Geometric State of Railway Tracks in the Sustainability Development of Electrified Traction Systems

Abstract

The state-space interface of the railway track (track) geometry system with an electrified traction system (ETS) constitutes the geometric configuration that is utilised in this study. Importantly, driving comfort, smooth operation (smooth running), and compliance with the ETS are the desired aims. Direct measurement methods were used in the interaction with the system, especially in regard to the fixed-point, visual, and expert methods. In particular, track-recording trolleys were used. The subjects belonging to the insulated instruments also included the integration of certain methods, such as in the brainstorming, mind mapping, system approach, heuristic, failure mode and effect analysis, and system failure mode effects analysis methods. These were based on a case study and are representative of three real objects, i.e., electrified railway lines, direct current (DC), and scientific research objects (which specifically cover five research objects). The aim of the scientific research work is to increase the interoperability of the railway track geometric state configurations in regard to the sustainability development of the ETS. The results of this work confirmed their validity. By ensuring that the six-parameter defectiveness D6 was defined and implemented, the D6 parameter of the railway track condition was first estimated. The new approach reinforces the improvement in preventive maintenance and reductions in corrective maintenance; moreover, it is an innovative supplement to the existing direct measurement method in the configuration of the geometric condition of railway tracks and in the sustainability development of the ETS via interacting with the indirect measurement method.