Assignment Topic: Railway System Engineering
Assignment 1: Tram Train
A Local Passenger Transport Executive is looking at expanding its current tramway (in City A), to include a link to an adjacent city (City B). There is a heavy rail route between the two cities and that runs alongside one tramway line. In order to save building a new tramway line, the PTE wishes to run trams on the main line tracks between the cities. For this service the PTE will procure new Tram Train vehicles.
The tramway uses low floor three segment trams with platforms set at 375mm above rail level and it is electrified at 750 V dc using overhead lines. The twin track main line is not electrified and carries 5 freight trains a day and a half hourly local diesel service in each direction for about 18 hours of the day. The PTE wish to have a 20 minute interval service connecting the centre of City A with the City B's main station (2% mile from the junction with the tramway) and a new turn-back stop adjacent to the mainline at the retail park (a further 1¼ miles). There is an option for a new tram stop on the main line at a visitor attraction half way between junction with the tramway and City B. There are no plans for main line electrification on this route for at least 15 years after which the mainline may be electrified at 25kV ac using conventional OLE as a diversionary route.
Evaluate and discuss the technical, operational and contractual issues with operating a tram style vehicle on the main line. Describe what alterations would need to be made to a typical tram to make it suitable to operate on the main line and what changes would be required to the main line infrastructure and control systems to safely operate a tram style vehicle amongst mainline freight and passenger trains. Describe the options for powering these trams on the main line. You should not require more than 1500 words in your answer.
Assignment 2: Project Schedule
A Main Line Infrastructure Manager has identified the need to replace an existing rail under-bridge over a small river following a recent inspection and assessment of strength. You, the Project Manager, are using the Network Rail Governance for Rail Investment Projects (GRIP) Process for management of the renewal process and have completed GRIP Stage 4 (Single Option Development) and the Outline Design has been granted Approval in Principle by the Route Asset Engineers and the project has received financial authority to proceed to completion.
The renewal is planned to take place in a long possession of both lines over the 2020 Spring Bank Holiday weekend. Weeknight 5hr white period blocks are available and two 27hr weekend blocks have been booked prior to the main possession.
The track is CWR (continuously welded rail) on ballasted track and is straight and level through the bridge and the line is electrified on the third rail 750 V dc system. The abutments are brick and in good condition, although the concrete cills supporting the bridge bearings are poor condition and will need replacing. As well as the tracks, the bridge carries an 11kV ac electrification feeder cable in a concrete trough on the up side and optical fibre communication cables and a multicore signaling cable in a single concrete trough on the down side. All cables are in good condition and have sufficient slack for minor diversion during the works.
The approved design comprises a series of precast concrete beams on bearings sitting on a new concrete cill beam on each abutment. The deck will require a waterproofing layer and a protection layer before the ballast and track can be relayed. All the cables must be moved into new trough routes during the possession. There is adequate road access and a work site adjacent to the bridge is available following agreement with the landowner.
You must write a report which describes in outline the processes that should be undertaken in each stage up to the end of GRIP4 (Outline Design) and for the final stage, GRIP 8 (Project Close Out), using this project to illustrate you answer.. You should reference all of the standards and technical assurance processes which are directly applicable to the works. You must make clear the inputs and outputs required to pass each GRIP stage and demonstrate that you understand the means by which the GRIP process controls investment programs. You should not require more than 500 words in your answer.
In addition, as part of your report you must prepare two schedules in the form of Gantt Charts covering GRIP stages 5-7 for your Sponsor as follows:
1. The first chart must show GRIP Stages 5-7 detailing the main activities. This must include the design and manufacture of the bridge beams and any preparatory site work. It must demonstrate that all activities can be achieved ahead of the main possession with adequate contingency for unexpected events. It should include the main possession as a single activity;
2. The second chart must detail the work activities during the main possession itself to remove the old bridge, prepare the abutments, install the new bridge and replace the tracks and cables and be ready for start of service on the Tuesday morning. The chart should include all items relating to taking the possession and handover/handback of assets.
The Gantt charts need show only the major activities, but in enough detail to evidence that you understand all of the processes required. All dates, timescales, links and activity inter-dependencies should be shown. Your charts must be realistic and not have any conflicting activities. The charts can be prepared using MS Excel or any other suitable proprietary software but they must be your own original work. The charts should be included as a legible image on your report prepared in MS Word.
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