Browsing by Author "Laubscher, Stefan"

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    Analysis and modelling of the track quality index
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2021-12) Laubscher, Stefan; Jooste, Wyhan
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Technological advancements have caused an increase in available data in var- ious industries. Large quantities of data are collected on a daily basis, which adds to the high volumes of data already available. The railway industry is no exception to this, with geometry measurements such as track quality index (TQI) of perway being an example of high volumes of generated data in the railway industry. Public transportation is an important aspect of an urban area's sustainability, which includes railway transport. Inevitably, the assets associated with public railways require sufficient management and maintenance for a railway system to operate efficiently. With the importance of reliable railway infrastructure being evident, an opportunity is identified to make use of the data available about the condition of perway that would contribute towards successful asset management and predictive maintenance strategies. This research investigates methods of analysing and modelling track geometry data that would assist maintenance decision-making to ultimately deliver more reliable railway infrastructure. To formalise the process, a framework is developed to support railway operators in their perway data analysis activities. The framework outputs aid railway operators in their maintenance decision-making and shift the operations toward the predictive maintenance side of the maintenance spectrum. The study is performed based on the problem identified, a review of the associated literature and the selected research design and methodology which guide the research process. Through the research approach, the TQI Data Analysis Framework (TQI-DAF) is developed. The framework consists of three stages: Stage 1 - data collection and preparation; Stage 2 - data analysis; and Stage 3 visualisation and interpretation. The stages of the framework aim to assist railway operators to manage railway track infrastructure in a manner that would promote the reliable operation of the railway system. A case study is performed as part of this research to illustrate the framework's implementation and con rm its feasibility. The paper concludes with a summary of the performed study, a discussion about the degree of success with which the research objectives are met, the contributions the research is expected to make to the industry, limitations that are identified, and recommendations for future work.