RailTraffic: Railway Operation Analysis Software

“RailTraffic” is a software application developed by Ardanuy Ingeniería which allows Railway Companies to optimize their lines’ performance.

RailTraffic is an application which has been developed by Ardanuy Ingeniería. The tool allows railway companies to optimize their lines’ performance through simulation of actual operational parameters.

Running Simulations

RailTraffic defines “service” as the route that the Rolling Stock takes from an initial chainage point to a final one. The application indicates three different aspects: starting speed, each one of the sections that the train passes through and stop time at each station. The simulations analyze the rolling stock’s performance and obtains the following results: duration of the trip, train speed (instantaneous, acceleration and average speed); brake force and energy consumption, journey time between stations, etc.

RailTraffic takes the following factors into account:

  • Rolling Stock: weight and length, maximum speed, acceleration and deceleration curves during service, forward resistance curve, maximum tensile force curve, electrical/mechanical engine performance, maximum braking curve, regeneration braking performance, voltage current limitation curve, utilities power, etc.
  • Infrastructure: alignment, location of the stations, slopes, tunnel areas, neutral zones, track outlines, etc.
  • Operational Parameters: speed limits, stop time at the stations, turnout movement time, mesh Schedule (frequency), etc.
  • Signalling System: type of signalling (ATP, target distance, mobile blocking, on-sight), minimum safety distance, location of the signals.

Results

The results obtained from simulations carried out using RailTraffic (service schedules and circulation graphs) are presented in the following ways:

  1. Numeric Data: diverse magnitudes (position, speed, acceleration, considerable stress, etc.) are calculated for each second of the simulation period. This information is then exported to an Excel spreadsheet for further analysis.
  2. Graphs: Railtraffic displays various types of graphs along with the results such as trip duration, speed and acceleration profiles according to distance, circulation scheme, etc. These graphs can be exported as images.
  3. Videos: Service routes and graphs can be analyzed using a display unit that shows the trains in motion as well as the busy track sections and signal status.