Multi-objective model for optimizing railway infrastructure asset renewal. Issue 10 (3rd October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sousa, Nuno; Alçada-Almeida, Luís; Coutinho-Rodrigues, João
• Is Part Of: Engineering optimization. Volume 51:Issue 10(2019)
• Page Start: 1777
• Page End: 1793
• Publication Date: 2019-10-03
• Subjects: Rail infrastructure -- infrastructure renewal -- multi-objective modelling -- investment levelling; Engineering design -- Periodicals; Mathematical optimization -- Periodicals; 620.0042
• DOI: 10.1080/0305215X.2018.1547716
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-215X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: A multi-objective model for managing railway infrastructure asset renewal is presented. The model aims to optimize three objectives, while respecting operational constraints: levelling investment throughout multiple years, minimizing total cost and minimizing work start postponements. Its output is an optimized intervention schedule. The model is based on a case study from a Portuguese infrastructure management company, which specified the objectives and constraints, and reflects management practice on railway infrastructure. The results show that investment levelling greatly influences the other objectives and that total cost fluctuations may range from insignificant to important, depending on the condition of the infrastructure. The results structure is argued to be general and suggests a practical methodology for analysing trade-offs and selecting a solution for implementation.