Determination of Necessary Subsidiary Track According to Train Operation Frequency in a Heterogeneous Train Pattern

Hyoung June Kim

doi:10.3390/app10124164

Abstract

In this study, a genetic algorithm was used to calculate the scheduled waiting time according to the train operation frequency of heterogeneous trains operating on one track. The acquired data were then used to determine the appropriate subsidiary track at which high-speed trains can load or release cargo away from low-speed trains. A metaheuristic genetic algorithm was applied and implemented using Javascript/jQuery. Six cases were investigated, which provided values of subsidiary track that vary according to the operation frequencies of different types of trains, and solutions were derived through 100 simulations using a stochastic method. The analysis results showed that the train overtaking frequency was the highest at the third intermediate station within the simulation, suggesting that this particular station requires a subsidiary track, even if the operating frequency of each train differs across the entire track considered in this study. The results of this study are expected to facilitate objective and practical planning during railway construction.

Highlights

The goal of railway construction is the transportation of passengers and freight, and train operation lies at the core of this transportation
The scheduled waiting times according to the three types of train operation frequency are subsidiary track
The scheduled waiting times were calculated according to the operating frequencies of a passenger train, high-speed train, and freight train when the trains are operated on the same track

Summary

Introduction

The goal of railway construction is the transportation of passengers and freight, and train operation lies at the core of this transportation. To transport passengers and freight, an optimal operation plan is required under the given conditions with a transportation system that systematically combines various components such as construction, vehicles, and signals [1]. In South Korea, train operation plans are established using construction documents when constructing railway tracks during the construction design phase. To consider the operation of heterogeneous train traffic in the railroad line construction plan, an operation pattern is generated, which is used to evaluate overtaking between trains. The overtaking or passing of one train by another is evaluated depending on the type of train considered, the stopping time, the number of stopping stations, and the speed of the trains. If a station that has a subsidiary track for the low-speed train is not at an appropriate distance, the headway between the high-speed and low-speed trains or the exit time of the low-speed train from the path of the high-speed train increases

Objectives

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion