SYSTEMS ANALYSIS OF RAILROAD TRACK MAINTENANCE

An initial system dynamics model of railroad operations has been developed to study the effect of government track safety policies and railroad industry trends on track conditions in particular, and railroad operations in general. The focus of the model is the determinants of track wear and maintenance. In addition, operations policies, freight volume and transportation costs, and financial factors are included for a complete treatment of the important feedback relationships surrounding track condition. The full simulation model successfully integrates a broad range of information on railroad behavior. The model has guided data collection and analysis, and aided the interpretation of unexpected results. Sensitivity analysis has identified systems variables, particularly train speed, that have the most important impact on railroad operations and the success or failure of government safety opinions.