Pre-study railway maintenance technology

Purpose and goal

Methods, production technology & mechanical equipment for repair, welding, straightening / adjustment and neutralisation of railway track. The aim of study is to compile data and to assess the size of the gains from increasing the efficiency that can be expected from the performance of the main project. Proposals for sub-projects for inclusion in the Main Project and prioritisation of these. The work has been performed in cooperation with The Infra Sweden 2030 Commission and with the support, and partial financing, of Vinnova (The Swedish Governmental Agency for Innovation Systems).

Expected results and effects

Results Studies made and questioning those with practical experience in the industry, we recived an estimated potential efficiency improvement of 25 % for the Main Project, which was planned in detail during our Pilot Study Expected effects The pilot study has provide data enabling targeted actions on methodology for maintenance and repairs, where they give the greatest effect in the form of cheaper and faster methods as well as fewer accidents and greatly reduced incidence of strain injuries among the maintenance staff.

Planned approach and implementation

Investigation of the preconditions and planning for transfer of technology from the steel and process industries to repairs and maintenance in Swedish track engineering is done. Studies of preventive maintenance/maintenance has been done. Selection and prioritisation of work methods. Method studies by means of field studies, videos and syntetic time setting. The sub-projects: Methods & machines Cable laying, protection & insulation Methods with synthetic time setting Safe workplace by the track Automation & robot technology