All-integer type linear programming model analyses for the optimal railway track maintenance scheduling

Railway track irregularities have to be kept at a satisfactory level by taking appropriate maintenance activities on the ballasted track. This paper aims at obtaining an optimal maintenance schedule for the railway track irregularities using all-integer type linear programming model. In order to determine an effective maintenance strategy, the authors develop a mathematical programming model to make an optimal schedule for the multiple tie tamper operation aiming at the largest improvements for the level of surface irregularities reflecting high riding quality and safety for the railway vehicles. They apply their optimization modeling approach to the actual Japanese railway network system, and then confirm that their model is effective and useful enough for the practical use.