Simulation-based evaluation of maintenance strategies using look-up tables

A computationally efficient approach, that uses pre-calculated simulation-based look-up tables of long-term track degradation to evaluate and optimise maintenance strategies, is proposed. The methodology combines iterative multibody simulations – to model the evolution of rail profiles and the distribution of rolling-contact fatigue under realistic conditions – and an optimisation procedure aimed at minimising the lifecycle costs. The research explores the interplay between long-term track degradation, maintenance interventions, and lifecycle costs. The approach is illustrated through an application to a small radius curve on Sweden’s Iron-ore line, focusing on rail grinding and track gauge correction. Optimal renewal and maintenance strategies are analysed for different scenarios such as rail profiles and axle loads. The results highlight the importance of gauge widening rates, rail profiles and axle loads in track deterioration as well as their effects on the asset’s lifecycle costs. A sensitivity analysis is conducted to study the impact of different parameters such as maintenance and renewal costs, and gauge widening rates. The proposed approach offers infrastructure managers a systematic method for efficient planning of maintenance interventions on various assets. Future work could explore applications to larger infrastructure areas, encompassing multiple assets with a complex composition of tangent and curved track sections as well as switches & crossings.