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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/L88023/01
Title: A PROTOTYPE EXPERT SYSTEM FOR EFFECTIVE RAIL TRACK RENEWAL
Principal Investigator: Madelin, Professor K
Other Investigators:
Chan, Professor AHC
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
G T Railway Maintenance Ltd Network Rail Pre Nexus Migration
Serco
Department: Civil Engineering
Organisation: University of Birmingham
Scheme: LINK
Starts: 01 January 1998 Ends: 31 March 2000 Value (£): 182,927
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Construction Ops & Management Pavement Engineering
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Transport Systems and Vehicles
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
About 50 study sections of track will be identified where significant expenditure has occurred over the past 3 years. The research will analyze historic condition data which has been collected by the automated track recording catch and visual condition surveys. A cost model will be developed based upon existing unit rates and user costs for various forms of remedial treatment. A 'before' picture will be established and the use made of MARPAS Maintenance and Resource Planning Systems) will be studied. An 'after' picture will then be established from condition data enabling a benefit/cost ratio to be calculated.Alternative remedial treatments will be postulated where a choice existed and the estimated benefit/cost ratio compares with the actual works undertaken. Automated condition data will be analyzed to establish patterns of behavior which the link the symptom of deterioration and the most cost effective treatment. The research will also explore relationships between automatic condition data and visual surveys. The design of a prototype expert system will seek to replicate the decision making process of an experienced engineer.
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Organisation Website: http://www.bham.ac.uk