Choice of the interval traffic control system in terms of increasing demands for the coverage of forecast traffic volumes

Abstract

Introduction. The authors view methodology disadvantages for the calculating the existent traffic capacity of the single track analytically by defining the limiting space interval. The current calculation methodology does not fully consider the factors influencing the traffic organization. Thus, this method implies that all trains or pairs of trains evenly distribute the traffic capacity does not corresponding to the real situation. Railway sections should have some reserve capacity that provides carriage in condition of actual traffic volume.Materials and methods. The authors proposed a new approach for determining the traffic capacity by the situation modeling through the alternate graph of train traffic and in accordance with various factors effecting the traffic capacity. Moreover, the authors carried out a comparative analysis of the transportation process indicators. They used two variants of the interval control system — automatic and semi-automatic blocking — in irregular traffic conditions.Results. The performed simulation modeling demonstrates that the use of semi-automatic blocking train interval control does not secure the planned train traffic capacity through the single-track designed line in difficult climatic conditions.Discussion and conclusion. The automatic blocking is considered more appropriate for the train interval control system. The mentioned blocking will provide not only the required capacity, but also the possibility of diagnosing the state of the trackway integrity. It is an important issue providing train traffic safety at low temperatures.