Tram Transport Research Articles

An Integrated Two-Step Optimization Model and Aggregative Multi-Criteria Approach for Establishing Sustainable Tram Transportation Plan

The choice of the most appropriate sustainable scheme for the organization of tram transportation in cities is of great importance for tram operators, for users of transportation services, and for the protection of the environment from harmful emissions. This study aims to propose a methodology for formulating a tram transportation plan considering technological, environmental, economic, and social indicators. The variant schemes represent the routes of a tram in the tram network. The methodology includes four stages. The first stage involves the determination of variant schemes for a transportation plan of service with trams. In the second stage, a two-step optimization model is proposed to determine the number and trams by types for each tram route for each variant scheme, and also to establish the distribution of trams by depots. The third stage includes ranking the variant schemes by applying the sequential interactive model for urban systems (SIMUS) multi-criteria method. Eleven quantitative and qualitative criteria for evaluating the tram transportation plan were introduced. A verification of the results is performed in the fourth stage. For this purpose, a comparison of the preference ranking organization method for enrichment of evaluations (PROMETHEE) method and the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method is made. Both methods have different approaches for decision making and differ from the SIMUS method. Two strategies were proposed to determine the criteria weights. One is based on the Shannon entropy method and the other uses the objective weights obtained through the SIMUS method. Finally, in the fifth stage, the results obtained through the SIMUS, PROMEHEE and TOPSIS methods are combined using the expected value obtained by applying the program evaluation and review technique method (PERT). The proposed methodology was applied to study tram transportation in Sofia, Bulgaria. Five variant schemes were considered. The schemes are optimized through the criterion of minimum energy consumption. The number of trams by routes and by type was determined. An improved scheme for tram transportation in Sofia was proposed. The scheme makes it possible to increase the frequency of the trams by 13%, to reduce the zero mileage of rolling stock, and to reduce carbon dioxide pollution by 11%.

Волнообразный износ рельсов на трамвайном транспорте

Purpose: to consider the problem of wave-shaped depreciation of rails on tram transport. A review of research on the problem of wave-shaped wear of rails and current regulatory documentation. The study of modern methods of combating wave-like wear and measures to prevent or reduce its manifestation. Understanding the causes and mechanisms of rail corrugation in order to develop effective strategies and measures to ensure the safety and reliability of tram services, increase the service life of infrastructure and reduce the cost of its maintenance and repair. Methods: analysis of scientific literature and research papers on the topic of rail corrugation. Generalization and systematization of information about the causes of wave-like wear, its effect on the operation of the wheel-rail system and methods of combating it. Description of the historical aspects of studying the problem of wave-like wear and modern approaches to its solution. Identification and analysis of measures aimed at reducing corrugation and improving the efficiency of tram transport. Presentation of recommendations on improving the regulatory framework and improving the safety of tram traffic. Results: the causes of rail corrugation are summarized, its features are considered. The need to improve the regulatory framework for the maintenance of tramways is indicated. Measures are given to extend the service life of rails and prevent the development of corrugation. Practical importance: the article is a systematic study of the problem of wave-shaped depreciation of rail in tram transport, which can be used by specialists in this field to develop effective methods of rationing this phenomenon and combating it. The results obtained can also be useful for students and teachers of transport universities studying the issues of operation and maintenance of rail transport.

Research on carbon emissions during the construction process of prefabricated buildings based on BIM and LCA

ABSTRACT The goal of double carbon reflects the new goals and requirements of China’s entry into a new development stage. In this regard, the construction industry, as a large producer of carbon emissions, should focus on emission reduction. In the whole life cycle of buildings, the carbon emission intensity in the physicochemical stage is the largest, so we should focus on the carbon emission in the physicochemical stage. Compared with the cast-in-situ concrete floor slab, the bidirectional prestressed precast hollow slab (BPPHS) has the characteristics of environment-friendly under the condition of meeting the building stress, and the manufacturing process of precast floor slab is more standardized, which can give full play to the performance of components. Based on BIM (Building Information Modeling) and LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) theory, and in the case of tram transportation, this paper studies the carbon emission of prefabricated hollow floor slab used in prefabricated buildings in the building stage. The research shows that the use of BPPHS reduces the carbon emission of 197,332.81 kg in the whole physicochemical stage, and the emission reduction rate is 46.52% compared with the cast-in-place slab. Compared with the ordinary prefabricated laminated plate, the emission reduction rate reaches 45.40%; The carbon emission sources in the materialization stage of prefabricated buildings are divided into production stage, transportation stage and construction stage. The carbon emission reduction in each stage accounts for 42.29%, 46.18% and 51.08%, respectively, in each stage of cast-in-situ floor slab. Compared with ordinary precast slab, the emission reduction rates of each stage are 34.67%, 53.60% and 47.84%, respectively. The emission reduction potential of BPPHS is very considerable. It can not only promote the development of prefabricated buildings but also have lower carbon than conventional precast slab. The study provides new ideas for reducing building carbon emissions, which will also provide reference for industry entrepreneurs and relevant governments to realize low-carbon economy and sustainable development.

Implementation of Zero Emission Fast Shortsea Shipping and Design of the Stavanger Demonstrator

_ The paper describes the implementation of state-of-the-art “Industry 4.0” methods and tools, of a holistic ship design optimization and of modular production methods, as well as of advanced battery technologies in the development of an innovative, fully electrical, fast zero-emission catamaran for waterborne urban transport. The design of a fast catamaran passenger ferry prototype (Medstraum), planned for operation as a waterborne shuttle in the Stavanger/Norway area, and of a replicator for operation at the Thames River/London are elaborated, including on land infrastructural issues that are necessary for their operation. The presented research is in the frame of the H2020 funded project “TrAM—Transport: Advanced andModular” (www.tramproject.eu). Introduction The international maritime community is amassing momentum in its efforts towards a drastic reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This is expected to be further accelerated after the upcoming COP261 (COP26: UN Climate Change Conference of Parties) in Glasgow in autumn 2021. The maritime industry is examining alternative ways to contribute actively to this endeavor, despite the additional challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Update of the interstate standard “Reinforced concrete slabs for tramway track pavements”

Introduction. Development of urban public transport networks in Russian cities involves modernization and improvement of rail transport to increase its traveling comfort, carrying capacity and reliability. Tram transport is environmentally friendly and has a high passenger capacity. The combination as well as the intersection of rail and pneumatic transport in the urban environment is considered to be an urgent issue. In this regard, State Standard 19231 “Reinforced concrete slabs for tramway track pavements. Specifications” is needed to be revised and updated due to changes in the requirements for concrete and emergence of new classes of steel reinforcement.Aim. To update State Standard 19231 in order to bring products for tram infrastructure to the proper regulatory and technological parameters in compliance with current requirements.Materials and methods. The present study involves an analysis of existing regulatory documents in the field of reinforced concrete materials and products, as well as a bibliographical research of works and expert opinions.Results. Updating the standard resulted in the establishment of specifications that meet the current demand, both in terms of regulations and scientific research.Conclusions. The updated interstate State Standard 19231 will contribute to a higher quality design and production of reinforced concrete slabs for tramway pavements, which will surely enhance their reliability and durability.

The Use of the Imperialist Competitive Algorithm in Optimising the Setting of the Tram Speed Controller in the Development of a Matlab-Simulink Environment

Estimating the electric power used by railway vehicles is an important factor in the planning of future power consumption, looking for possibilities to reduce the use of electric power and therefore also reduce carbon emissions. To improve the estimation, we used the imperialist competitive algorithm in the optimisation process of a mathematical model of a tram vehicle. Specifically, in the setting of the proportional and summation constant of the vehicle speed controller which emulates the activity of the driver in the simulation. Our work presents a new approach to optimising the estimation of energy consumption in tram transport. The method used is based on mathematical modelling and simulation of social development in human society. To obtain the input data for the simulation, we performed a measurement of the reference speed by means of a GPS receiver located in a sample tram vehicle. Subsequently, to verify the model and energy calculation results, we measured the output currents and voltage from the traction converter station at the corresponding time. Our method achieved a 93 % match between the measured and simulated power consumption.

Tram stop infrastructure in Poland in the aspect of safety

Travel comfort depends on many criteria, including, to a large extent, the passenger's sense of security while waiting for the vehicle and while driving. For this reason, tram stops play an essential role in the overall assess-ment of the functioning of the tram system in cities. The presented results of the literature review indicate that few publications related to safety in the tram transport system concern aspects of the infrastructure of stops. The arti-cles we distinguished in this area also prove the lack of publications in which the researchers focus on the criteria for assessing the safety of tram stops. The paper aims to present the results of research conducted among experts, which concerned identifying criterions influencing the safety of tram stops and the selection of criteria for their evaluation. In addition, the obtained results are the basis for further analysis of safety at tram stops. The research was conducted among experts representing almost all cities in Poland with a tram service system for residents. The obtained results showed that the critical elements from the safety point of view are those related to technical aspects, i.e., length, width, and height of platforms, which are adapted to both the rolling stock and the size of passenger flows. The second significant group of criteria determining the safety of stops is equipping them with elements supporting their use by people with disabilities, i.e., placing warning fields at the edges of the platform, designating a waiting area for people with reduced mobility, or the use of guiding lanes. It is also crucial to main-tain adequate separation of traffic between its various participants so that other people do not use the waiting and passenger exchange zone. The results obtained as part of the analysis will form the basis for the development of a detailed method of assessing tram stops in Poland in terms of their safety.

Analysis of the selected tram lines operation during the tram lines modernization project in the city of Košice - the case study

The sustainability of public passenger transport is a key aspect for ensuring efficient urban mobility. For this reason, transport systems need to be maintained at a level where they can deliver the required transport performance, quality and reasonable operating costs. Regular maintenance and modernization is a necessary condition for meeting these criteria. However, this process must be carried out in such a way that it does not significantly affect the quality of the transport services provided. The paper presents research aimed at analyzing the impact of the tram transport system reconstruction in Košice on the transport means capacity utilization and on the vehicles delay time monitoring. The research revealed the differences that existed before and during the reconstruction of the tram lines.

Criteria for Assessing the Safety and Functionality of Tram Stops

The selection of criteria in the developed methods of analysis and evaluation has a significant impact on the implemented decision-making processes. For this reason, the very process of identifying the correct criteria is a research challenge worth undertaking. The conducted literature review shows that in the methodology of assessing tram and bus stops, the researchers focus primarily on aspects related to safety. Assessment of the functionality of tram stops becomes no less important. However, a literature review shows that this range of stops is sporadically mentioned in publications. Meanwhile, from a practical point of view, the aspects related to ensuring the required functionality in the tram stop zone are as important as the safety of passengers. That is why we surveyed experts who perform official functions in cities with a tram transport system. The conducted research was aimed at: (1) assessment of the elements and selected parameters of the stop infrastructure in terms of their impact on the safety and functionality of stops; (2) assessment of the inter-relationship between safety and functionality criteria when analyzing individual factors. The article aims to present the results obtained during the structured interviews and their interpretation. The obtained research results and their classification constitute not only scientific material, but they can also be used by people and organizations involved in the design, evaluation, and modernization of tram stops. The obtained results should also be analyzed by teams developing urban standards for transport infrastructure.

Quantification of acoustic risk from the tram ride in track curves

In urban agglomerations, even in our conditions, typical environmental risks are acoustic risks caused by traffic of all kinds. In the case of tram transport, a high-amplitude tonal noise was identified when passing a tram vehicle in a directional curve, which is perceived depending on the emerging frequency as a short-term sound, which emotionally manifests itself as an unpleasant squealing. As a result, the health of the population living in the vicinity of the tram lines is endangered. The described problem forced the authors to look for suitable methods for determining the acoustic risk. The "Risk Management" system was chosen as a suitable tool, the logical step of which is to quantify risk. The results used in the risk assessment process were based on specific measurements at selected locations around the tram line in the city of Kosice. The aim of the risk quantification process is to design the basis for selecting the optimal way to reduce / eliminate acoustic risk to a socially acceptable level.

Electric Drive Solution for Low-Floor City Transport Trams

The urban transport system based on trams as the basic means of transport is one of the oldest systems of human transport in urban agglomerations. A tram is a more efficient, cheaper-to-operate, and greener means of transport compared to a bus. Striving to enable the use of this means of transport by elderly and disabled people, constructors and manufacturers of tram vehicles began to consider the requirements of the ordering parties—organizers of municipal public transport—in their solutions. The basic condition for disabled and elderly people to use tram transport is the possibility of safe and efficient entry and exit from the vehicle at tram stops. The fulfillment of this condition is possible only in the case of tram vehicles with a low 100% floor, and this, in turn, requires the replacement of trolleys with traditional wheelsets, that is, trolleys with independently rotating wheels, in the construction of the running gear. A wheelset with independently rotating wheels (IRW) does not have self-centering properties, and, thus, problems may arise with excessive wear of wheel and rail profiles and with continuous contact of the wheel flange with the rail, which may, consequently, lead to derailment. Driving a vehicle on the track in this case is governed by different laws. To prevent such phenomena, it is required to use the wheel drive control system, which allows for the stabilization of the vehicle movement on the track. Both the introduction of independently rotating wheels in the construction of the bogie and the drive connected to the wheel control system requires research and analysis to confirm the correctness of the assumptions made. The innovative solution of the control system in the case of a tram vehicle was patented and then the patent was implemented to produce a low-floor tram with 100% low floor by a Polish tram manufacturer. This article presents the results of the work carried out on the adoption of the concept of a running gear and drive solution for a low-floor tram vehicle with independently rotating wheels and the results of simulation analysis of the drive control of such a system, using mathematical models of the mechanical system (running gear) and the electrical system (motor drive control system).

Forecasting the number of vehicle kilometers by applying the autoregression model, using Warsaw trams as an example

One of the biggest challenges of the 21st century is ecological responsibility. It also concerns the sustainable development of transport and the reduction of threats related to the negative impact of this phenomenon on the environment. A constant increase in transport congestion, atmospheric air pollution, and noise promotes the search for new solutions, especially in urban areas. One of the systematically implemented and improved ideas in this area is the development of urban transport systems. Their effectiveness and efficiency are evidenced by the level of meeting the transport needs of residents, with the optimal utilization of vehicles. The article analyses urban transport in Warsaw, focusing only on trams as the second most popular means of transport after wheeled vehicles. Two objectives of the study were adopted. The first was evaluating the current state and characteristics of the available options and indicating potential development directions, considering factors that determine it. The second goal was to select the appropriate model describing the number of vehicle kilometers accumulated by Warsaw trams in the years 2017-2019 and parametric identification of this model. The study allowed us to estimate and make a short-term forecast of transport services carried out by trams. The research has shown that the current situation regarding the performance of transport work by trams in Warsaw does not fit into the paradigm of sustainable transport development. This is due to the loss of vehicles from the records in the absence of new vehicle purchases. Additionally, the developed tool indicates a decrease in the number of vehicles-km performed in the following months and, thus, a reduction in the share of trams in transport in the Warsaw communication system. The identified problem (i.e., a downward trend in transport performance) is essential from the point of view of the quality of the system's operation and the ability to meet passengers' expectations. It also informs decision-makers about the need to implement changes leading to an increase in the share of tram transport, mainly in capacity and operating costs.

Reintroduction in the Process of Operation of Worn Metal Assemblies, from the Composition of Public Transport Vehicles, Using Mechanized MIG/MAG (GMA) Welding Reconditioning, in Conditions of Guaranteeing Traffic Safety

Replacing worn or damaged parts implies high material costs and financial expense for public tram transportation services, especially for the imported units and that is why it is preferable to recondition them, taking into consideration the safety requirements. In this paper, ISIM initiatives and achievements are presented in the field of cost reduction and maintenance during operation of trams, by introduction in the operation process of worn parts, within the safety limits. Aspects are presented regarding the possibilities for reconditioning and repair of parts with a circular geometry (e.g. wheel bands, axles, drum brakes). Some of these are being applied and implemented. Also, innovative ideas are presented for increasing the performance of equipment used for reconditioning.

Cargo tram in freight handling in urban areas in Poland

Trams are usually used to carry passengers, but across Europe there are some examples of using them for carrying freight (‘CarGoTram’ of Dresden, Germany and the ‘Cargo-Tram’ of Zurich, Switzerland). There are specific conditions that provide a possibility of using trams for cargo delivery in urban areas. They concern infrastructural, economic, and organisational issues. The main purpose of this article was to identify the conditions and determine the possibilities of implementing a cargo tram in urban areas in Poland. This article has shown that in individual urban transportation systems there are factors that facilitate or inhibit implementation of cargo trams in UFT, and implementation of a concrete solution should be adjusted to the local conditions so that the tram transport system is not disturbed in providing its basic function, i.e. serving the public passenger traffic. To achieve the assumed aim, the following research methods were used: literature review, documentary method, Delphi method, and case study. The area of research was the city of Szczecin, Poland.

Analiza bezpieczeństwa ruchu na skrzyżowaniach tras tramwajowych z ruchem kołowym

Ensuring high standard of service of public transport is among the most important goals of sustainable mobility. One of the most promising subsystems of public transport in this respect is the tram transport. Trams are eco-friendly and able to transport large numbers of passengers. However, in order to shape an efficient tram system, it is important to minimize the possibility of occurrence of incidents involving trams and road vehicles at intersections of roadways and tram tracks. The paper presents a proposition of a method of analysis of incidents in such locations. For ensuring a comprehensive approach to safety problem, the analysis encompasses two aspects: temporal and spatial. The proposed method has been presented on the example of tram network of the Metropolis GZM (Metropolitan Association of Upper Silesia and Dąbrowa Basin) area. The analysis has enabled identification of causes of incidents for the two most hazardous intersections of roadways and tram tracks. For each of these locations, proposed solutions to improve the level of safety have been determined.

The Indicators Assessment of Safety and Functionality of Tram Loops

Abstract The new requirements set for tram loops mean that all stakeholders' expectations regarding their safety and functionality change. This creates a need for new tools for tram loop assessment, which are important interchanges, especially for people living outside the city limits or on their outskirts. The aim of the authors ’research is to create a indicators for assessing the safety and functionality of tram loops. Therefore, the article presents an overview of the research results in the area of tram transport and interchanges safety. Then the proposed indicator assessment for tram loops was described.

Interactions between tram passengers and road vehicles at tram stops - a pilot study

Modern urban and metropolitan areas face numerous problems associated with transport activity, such as pollution, congestion, noise or traffic incidents. One of the solutions to cope with these issues may be encouraging people to use means of public transport instead of private cars. However, that requires the fulfillment of demands that present, as well as potential, passengers have. One of the most important passengers' demands is safety of all operations of public transport. In case of tram transport one aspect of safety is associated with the process of boarding the tram and alighting from it at stops separated from tram tracks by roadway, which forces passengers to enter the road. It is hazardous for all passengers and poses an additional risk for disabled passengers. In this paper an analysis of interactions between tram passengers and drivers of road vehicles at such tram stops, during the boarding and alighting from the tram was performed. For that purpose also a classification of tram stops stations was conducted, with the number of traffic lanes that passengers have to pass through being the main criterion. Also, the review of literature on this subject was conducted. For the research during the pilot study the tram network in Metropolis GZM in southern Poland was chosen and all tram stops stations on the network were inspected in order to obtain characteristics necessary for classification. Research during this pilot study allowed to identify conflict interactions that take place at tram stops. Examples of such interactions have been presented in the paper. Paper also contains conclusions and propositions of changes that may be implemented at tram stops that may lead to increase of the level of safety of passengers who try to board the tram or alight from the tram.

Ways of protection from noise pollution in railway and tramway infrastructure

The paper presents various ways of protection from traffic noise used in railway infrastructure in Poland. The sources of noise in rail and tram transport were discussed. Also commonly found solutions on the railway network were analyzed such as noise barriers and rail dampers. Modern tram surfaces have been presented as one of the noise protection methods in the tram infrastructure. In the tram infrastructure a noise protection method was presented in the form of tram track lubricators on sharp curves. In addition, the effectiveness of noise protection methods was assessed on the basis of tests and research.

How to make urban freight transport by tram successful?

Many national and international bodies, such as the European Commission, encourage the use of environment-friendly transport modes. Local and national authorities take more and more measures, for instance road pricing, loading/unloading spaces and low-emission zones, to prevent negative transport-related externalities in urban areas. Hence, transport and logistics operators consider alternative ways to deliver goods in urban areas by using electric vehicles, cargo bikes, inland vessels and rail transport. Which of these alternative modes is appropriate for which transport flow depends on multiple factors, including the available transport infrastructure, the goods volume, the measures taken by the authorities and the presence of congestion. This paper focuses on urban freight transport by tram and the conditions for a successful implementation. A successful implementation is defined as an implementation that is viable, i.e. the difference between the change of the costs and the change of the benefits exceeds a certain threshold value. The viability is studied from a business-economic and a socio-economic perspective for a dedicated freight tram, a freight wagon behind a passenger tram and the transport of parcels by a passenger tram. A viability model is developed, based on a social cost-benefit analysis. The working of this model is illustrated by applying it to the city of Antwerp. The main findings show that the use of a freight wagon attached to a passenger tram provides more potential than a dedicated freight tram. A courier taking the tram to deliver some parcels can be viable as well. For all three types of tram transport, the socio-economic benefits exceed the business-economic ones. Critical factors affecting the viability include the transported volume, the efficiency of the current road transport, the timing of the transport, the need for post-haulage and the operational costs of both road and rail.

GEOSPATIAL TRENDS OF DEVELOPMENT OF TRAMWAY TRANSPORT IN UKRAINE

In the article the current territorial trends of tramway transport in Ukraine are described. The history of the tram in Ukraine begins in the end of XIX century, when there lines were opened in several cities. The first tram systems in the cities of Kyiv, Lviv, Katerynoslav (Dnipro), Chernivtsi, Yelisavetgrad (Kropyvnytskyj) are builded. The largest peak of its development tram transport was in Ukraine in the early 1990s. At that time, there were 24 tram networks operating on the territory of the country with lines with a length of more than 2 thousand kilometers and carrying almost 2 billion passengers. In subsequent years, there was a significant decline in the development of tram transport in Ukraine - after 25 years the number of passengers decreased threefold, the wagons doubled, the tracks - by 300 km. Although new tram lines were built in 7 cities of the country, in most other systems they were closed and dismantled. The longest sections of tram lines were closed in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, and Avdiivka. At the same time, the number of new tracks in Vinnytsia, Lviv and Kryvyi Rih increased. The tram car crash in Dneprodzerzhynsk (Kamianske) in 1996 had a significant impact on reducing the length of tram networks in Ukraine. The largest reduction in the tram network was observed in Kyiv, mainly due to the active construction of the subway. Significant damage to the tram networks was caused by war in the eastern regions of Ukraine. They have stopped trams in several cities. In general tram networks were closed in the cities of Makiivka, Kadiivka, Kramatorsk, and tram traffic was stopped in Luhansk, Konstantynivka, Avdiivka and Molochne. The longest tram networks length at the end of 2018 are in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Dnipro and Kryvyj Rih. In Kyiv and Kryvyj Rih there are high-speed tram lines. In the article the production and structure of the tram rolling stock in Ukraine are analyzed. The production of tram carriage began in the 1920s, but was subsequently due to massive deliveries from Czechoslovakia and Russia is completed. In the 90-ies of the XX century, the production of tram wagons on the territory of Ukraine in the Dnipro, Odesa, Lugansk, Lviv and Kyiv. In the tram rolling stock of the country is dominated by Czech and Russian (soviet) carriages. Ukraine also operates more than 200 tram cars of its own production. The largest number of trams is concentrated in the cities of Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Odesa, Lviv. The oldest tram carriage operated in Vinnytsia and the newest ones in Kamianske. As of the beginning of year 2019 tram transport operates in 17 cities of Ukraine, with more than 2 thousand carriages running over 1.9 thousand km of network. The main problems in the development of tram systems are the obsolescence of infrastructure and rolling stock, constant under-financing of the tram industry, political and military instability. The future development of tram transport in Ukraine depends on access to EU funds and means, as well of low-cost and long-term investment resources.