On Track

There are significant productivity gains to be realised in track maintenance through capital expenditure in both the maintenance task itself ( e.g. mechanisation), and by moving to higher quality, lower maintenance track. However, there is also a need to ensure that maintenance of existing networks is undertaken according to a plan which maximises overall net benefit to the rail operator. In Australian freight operations, maintenance costs comprise between 25 -35 percent of total train operating costs. Therefore, it is important that the track maintenance planning function is undertaken in an effective and efficient manner. This applies to short-term planning such as daily scheduling of projects; as well as the medium to long-term planning of required maintenance projects. Maintenance activities can be conveniently classified into routine, spot and production activities. Routine activities are those which are insensitive to volume of the traffic. They are usually carried out at regular intervals and include the following: vegetation control; repair of fences, gates, signs and posts; herbicide application; and routine inspections. The main purpose of spot maintenance is to maintain track in its existing state. The activities are usually carried out whenever defects are identified by manual or automated inspections. They include the following: spot replacement of minor track components, sleepers and short rail sections; repair of joints and weldings; spot ballast packing; and spot stone blowing. Production maintenance refers to activities which have a significant impact on track condition. They include the following: tamping; stone blowing; ballast regulation, stabilization and cleaning; rail grinding; re-sleepering; and re-railing.