SYSTEMIC EFFICIENCY: A KEY CONSIDERATION IN THE DESIGN OF NEW DEDICATED RAIL FREIGHT PROJECTS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

Authors

  • Friedel Mulke Stellenbosch University
  • Jan Havenga Stellenbosch University
  • Joubert van Eeden Stellenbosch University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7166/32-3-2635

Abstract

Crafting systemic engineering fundamentals into a structured design model that includes demand definition, systemic design, and efficient operations enables the railway design process to achieve viable solutions. The design model incorporates types of efficiencies that are fundamental to successfully operating new railway systems. A relationship between the geometrical layout of the new track and the technical efficiency of the dynamic hauling process and fuel consumption was determined. New results were obtained from simulation work done on the operating efficiency of the crossing of trains, and cast new light on the traditional formulae used for track capacity. The effect of total systemic efficiency on the resultant cycle time and rolling stock fleet sizes is demonstrated in this paper. The rail tariff and the internal rate of return (IRR) are interlinked, and the effect of inefficiencies on the performance and returns of the new railway project is illustrated.

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Published

2021-11-29

How to Cite

Mulke, F., Havenga, J., & van Eeden, J. (2021). SYSTEMIC EFFICIENCY: A KEY CONSIDERATION IN THE DESIGN OF NEW DEDICATED RAIL FREIGHT PROJECTS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA. The South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 32(3), 211–224. https://doi.org/10.7166/32-3-2635

Issue

Vol. 32 No. 3 (2021)

Section

Special Edition

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