Automatic Evaluation Framework for Reliability and Safety of Multiple Train Detection Systems

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2023

Subject Area

mode - rail, operations - reliability, operations - frequency, planning - methods, planning - safety/accidents

Keywords

rail, rail safety, system safety, railroad operating technologies, control

Abstract

A train detection system is the basis of signaling and control in railway transportation, and there is a trend to apply multiple train detection systems simultaneously to improve reliability and safety. The ideal evaluation process for train detection systems should be able to determine their reliability and safety by considering the track layout, detection block, design and logic of the detection system, routing and frequency of trains, and train length (in relation to block length). Existing evaluation methods for train detection systems still require a few manual interactions and human judgment, which could be inefficient and subjective. Consequently, this research aims to develop a framework with automatic processes to generate all failure scenarios, calculate the probability of fail-safe conditions and wrong-side failures, and finally determine the reliability and safety index of the corresponding connection logic. Results of case studies demonstrate the applicability of the proposed framework to actual cases. The use of this framework can assist railways in identifying the appropriate design and logic of multiple train detection systems.

Rights

Permission to publish the abstract has been given by SAGE, copyright remains with them.

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