Description:
Derailment is a business risk for rail operators. However, most of the derailments are due to a combination of several causes. This paper presents a derailment study, focusing on Australia, that categorizes a comprehensive set of factors causing derailment and current mitigation techniques. Finally, a risk gap is analysed and integrated model is proposed. Further, the opportunities to incorporate remote monitoring and data analysis technologies to ensure an eMaintenance management of derailment are discussed. A case study on eMaintenance of rail lubrication, which is highly related to derailment, is also demonstrated in this paper.
Description:
A large number of Australian railway bridges were constructed over 80 years ago and have become increasingly costly to maintain. Infrastructure managers are under pressure to maintain bridge structures to a specified performance level with less maintenance funding and fewer resources. Currently, some rail operators maintain bridges through generic asset management systems which are simplistic and only address immediate operational issues. This is despite the fact that a life cycle cost analysis is proven to strategically maintain bridge assets and reduce costs over their operational life. A new bridge management system (BMS) framework which consists of a life cycle cost analysis and strategy model is proposed in this paper. The model can provide solutions at the element, bridge and network levels. A brief background is provided on Australian railway bridge operational history. Finally, a new maintenance cycle is proposed and its components are discussed.
Description:
This paper presents an expert system for the life cycle assessment of die-casting process. The system is built around a robust database of the die-casting process parameters. The sustainability of die-casting is measured using performance indicators, namely investment cost of machines and equipment, operating cost of machines, and energy-related carbon emissions. The methodology of developing an expert system first uses MATLAB function (combivec) to generate alternate process plans thereafter it uses a multi-criteria decision-making method as technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) for selecting the best feasible process plan. Results show that the proposed approach can compare alternate process plans using sustainability performance indicators for selecting the best feasible option. An illustrative example is presented in this paper for demonstrating how to implement the proposed expert system
Description:
Asset Management is focused on realisation of value from assets through managing risk and opportunity. ISO standard for asset management ISO55000, 2014 stipulates effective control and governance of assets for desired balancing act of cost, performance and risk. This paper aims to study the maintenance and capital expenditure problems. It proposes how to balance cost, performance and risk for asset management. Decisions need to be based on performance and risk in addition to costs based on whole of life are supported by international standards for asset management. Option analysis and informed decision-making are proposed considering life cycle costs. Recent trend with industries is to align with latest international standards for asset management. Asset management in heavy haul rail network focuses on this by realisation of value from assets through managing risk and opportunity. Model for total cost of maintenance was developed covering risk costs associated with undetected surface/ subsurface cracks causing rail breaks and derailments and wear loss due to gauge face lubrication problems and intervention costs in inspections and interventions using progressive rail grinding and solar powered electric lubricators with remote performance monitoring. Illustrative examples are used to show how actions in inspection and subsequent rail grinding for controlling rolling contact fatigue (RCF) along with gauge face lubrication for controlling wear can be achieved in heavy haul railway. This maintenance and capital investment policy and decisions based on life cycle cost models can be used as reference for capital expenditure (capex) and operational expenditure (opex) balancing in any industry in general and heavy haul in particular.
Description:
Rail wheel service life and incurred cost significantly contribute to the economy and performance of Heavy haul railway operations. Effective wayside lubrication becomes part and parcel of steps to combat wear and improves service life multiple times compared to unlubricated rail and wheel. Currently three different types of technology of wayside lubrication are in practice throughout Australian heavy haul operation such as mechanical, hydraulic and electric lubricators. Older lubricator technologies i.e. mechanical and hydraulic, may be attractive from initial low investment point of view; however they harvest significantly lower benefits throughout their life cycle compared to enormous potential of latest technology ( i.e. electric) in the market. However, a proper economic analysis is essential to determine the cost effectiveness of these technologies which may help the heavy haul operators to have a clear understanding of the real benefits which may encourage establishing appropriate asset strategy they need. There are several closely related and commonly used methods for evaluating economic performance. These include life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) method, net benefits (net present worth) method, benefit/cost (or savings-to-investment) ratio method, internal rate-of-return method, and payback method. The basic concept of all these methods is to provide an indication on the cost effectiveness of a single technology. However, LCCA method is a preferred method amongst them because it provides most cost-effective design alternative over a period of life time that includes both the capital cost and ongoing maintenance and operating costs. In current heavy haul practice it is very rare to see any effective asset tactics and asset strategy in place which can evaluate asset performance and their incurred cost. Structured lubrication asset strategy and genuine practice can significantly contribute to heavy haul operations cost reduction, continuous improvement of human resource and sustainable lubrication practice. This paper presents a frame work and model of lifelong lubrication asset strategy and quantifies the benefits throughout incoming journey of Australian heavy haul using LCCA.
Description:
Prognostic models for maintenance decisions have inherent limitations due to quality quantity of historical data, assumptions made, and time required in validating models. In this paper, Preventive Maintenance (PM) Intervals, Failure events, cost and maintenance records from Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) are analyzed for reducing downtimes and Operating Expenditure (OPEX). The proposed methodologies for maintenance intervals and replacements with acceptable level of confidence are articulated to asset maintenance of a City Council of Australian Local Government organisation as a case of improved decision making under limited information.
Description:
IEEE International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management
Description:
Prognostic models for maintenance decisions have inherent limitations due to quality quantity of historical data, assumptions made, and time required in validating models. In this paper, Preventive Maintenance (PM) Intervals, Failure events, cost and maintenance records from Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) are analyzed for reducing downtimes and Operating Expenditure (OPEX). The proposed methodologies for maintenance intervals and replacements with acceptable level of confidence are articulated to asset maintenance of a City Council of Australian Local Government organisation as a case of improved decision making under limited information.
Description:
IEEE International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management