FRESK Wheel/Rail/Track Management Software
FRESK is a wheel/rail/track cost management and simulation software package targeted for use by railway managers, engineers and operating personnel. The software package provides a capability to optimise wheel, rail and track maintenance policies and rail system operating policies and to identify the economic consequences of deviating from those policies.
Unlike previous packages, which addressed wheel, rail and track issues independently, FRESK provides an automatic interaction of individual wheel, rail and track management models. This approach allows fast and easy evaluations of the cost impacts of changes in any maintenance or operating policy and establishes the basis for the automated optimisation routines.
The simulation includes wheel/rail interaction effects in addition to existing track condition, wheel and rail grinding policies, track maintenance policies, lubrication policies and varying track segment speed requirements. Conditions leading to potential rail sub-surface defects, rail corrugations and derailments are automatically identified.
The software has been specifically configured for ease of use through the implementation of a forms-based graphical user interface in a Windows environment on a PC. Input data can be reviewed and modified in a convenient scrolling form on screen. Simulation results can be viewed on the screen either in tabular form or in clear, easy to interpret graphical displays. Project databases are automatically maintained in a simple format to ensure a direct link between input data files and output data files.
A net present value approach is implemented in the economics model of the simulation. The user is able to select a desired operating period for the economic evaluation and the simulation provides annual costs for the operation, long term net present value costs and economic lives of key system components. This is particularly useful in considering the benefits and costs of various operation and maintenance policy changes.
The FRESK user interface and core simulation software is applicable to any railway system, requiring only minor customisation and calibration to reflect local conditions and operation/maintenance policies.
As an added benefit, FRESK includes a data file link to the AAR NUCARS software for the exchange of wheel/rail interaction effects.
For further information, please contact Ross Emslie at:
Sinclair Knight Merz
100 Christie Street
St Leonards NSW 2065
Phone: 02-99282279
Fax: 02-99282505