Data Integration for Points Maintenance Case Study

Data Integration for Points Maintenance

The Project

Dutch track manager ProRail wanted to change from time-based maintenance to condition-based maintenance to improve efficiency and costs.  DeltaRail Netherlands was asked to investigate the extent to which track and point loads could be determined from traffic control data.  The aim was to develop an analytical maintenance management tool based on ProRail's existing databases.

DeltaRail Netherlands linked together information from various ProRail sources in order to identify the use of points and quantify the track loads on the intermediate sections.  However, predicting wear and tear is also heavily dependant on the weight, speed and the number of axles of each passing train  These values were measured by Quo Vadis, a system used by ProRail to determine the level of tariffs.  By integrating the two sets of data, we were able to visualise the extent to which a set of points was subjected to loads.

Using the data collected, DeltaRail Netherlands has developed an application that can show the actual loads on every centrally-operated set of points in the Netherlands, as well as providing information about the loads on the intermediate sections of track.  The data is processed and stored daily by DeltaRail and can be used by ProRail for trend analyses, lifecycle management and analysing wear behaviour.

The Benefits

The software enables ProRail to prioritise maintenance where it is most needed.  Until recently all points in the Netherlands (some 5500) received the same amount of maintenance.  However, with the data showing fewer than 20% of points falling into the 'heaviest loaded' category, ProRail can now differentiate between different sets of points, enabling them to target maintenance more effectively.