Effect of train-type heterogeneity on single-track heavy haul railway line capacity

North American heavy haul railroads are experiencing growth in traffic demand and increasingly facing capacity constraints. A key factor influencing railroad operations is heterogeneity in train characteristics. Different train types can have substantially different operating characteristics including maximum speed, power-to-ton ratio and dispatching priority. This heterogeneity causes conflicts between trains that increase delays and reduce capacity. Dispatching simulation software was used to analyze the effect of various combinations of intermodal and bulk trains on a hypothetical, signalized, single-track line with characteristics typical of a North American freight railroad subdivision. This assessment studied the relationship between volume, heterogeneity and delay. Further work identified the key factors that contribute to the increased delays due to heterogeneity. The train characteristics of speed, acceleration, braking and priority were considered for their effect on the increased delays due to heterogeneity. Understanding these factors that affect delay allows for more effective network capacity planning and efficient rail operations. The results also suggest certain railway operating strategies that may reduce the delays caused by train-type heterogeneity thereby improving service reliability.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.1177/0954409713496762
• Record URL:
  • http://pif.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/228/8/845
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/09544097
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Reprinted by permission of Sage Publications, Ltd.
• Authors:
  • Dingler, Mark H
  • Lai, Yung-Cheng (Rex)
  • Barkan, Christopher P L
• Publication Date: 2014

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 845-856
• Serial:
  • Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part F: Journal of Rail and Rapid Transit
  • Volume: 228
  • Issue Number: 8
  • Publisher: Sage Publications Limited
  • ISSN: 0954-4097
  • EISSN: 2041-3017
  • Serial URL: http://pif.sagepub.com/content/current

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Delays; Dispatching; Freight traffic; Heavy haul; Railroad cars by type; Simulation; Single track
• Uncontrolled Terms: Rail line capacity
• Geographic Terms: North America
• Subject Areas: Freight Transportation; Operations and Traffic Management; Railroads; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01544979
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 24 2014 3:51PM