Terrain suitability analysis for the proposed rapid-rail link between Pretoria, Johannesburg and Johannesburg International Airport
- Authors: Roets, Wilna
- Date: 2009-02-05T07:12:37Z
- Subjects: Environmental impact analysis , Railroads , High speed trains , Gauteng (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8085 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2014
- Description: M.A. , The proposal to build the Gautrain rapid-rail link between Pretoria, Johannesburg and Johannesburg International Airport was approved in June 2000 by the Gauteng Provincial Government. It was noted that this particular development could have serious environmental implications for the area involved. The aim of this research is therefore to identify the most suitable terrain in order to optimise the rail route alignment with minimal environmental impact. This will be accomplished by undertaking a terrain suitability analysis. The different high-speed railway types are discussed and their impact on the environment is considered, culminating in an evaluation of the background and status of the proposed Gautrain rapid-rail link. The different approaches to terrain evaluation are discussed in order to draw conclusions relative to the methodology used in this research. Subsequently the activity approach as described by Mitchell (1991) and Hugo et al (1997) was chosen as the methodology to use for this research and the terrain within the study area was classified according to its suitability for the development of the Gautrain rapid-rail link. A Geographic Information System (GIS) was utilised to aid in the terrain suitability analysis. As a result of the analysis an optimised route is proposed and compared to the rail routes already proposed for the Gautrain rapid-rail link. It is imperative that a terrain suitability analysis should form part of the preliminary phase of any environmental management cycle as portrayed in Fuggle & Rabie (1998), in order to identify suitable terrain for the development in question; the rapid-rail link route should be no exception.
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- Authors: Roets, Wilna
- Date: 2009-02-05T07:12:37Z
- Subjects: Environmental impact analysis , Railroads , High speed trains , Gauteng (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8085 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2014
- Description: M.A. , The proposal to build the Gautrain rapid-rail link between Pretoria, Johannesburg and Johannesburg International Airport was approved in June 2000 by the Gauteng Provincial Government. It was noted that this particular development could have serious environmental implications for the area involved. The aim of this research is therefore to identify the most suitable terrain in order to optimise the rail route alignment with minimal environmental impact. This will be accomplished by undertaking a terrain suitability analysis. The different high-speed railway types are discussed and their impact on the environment is considered, culminating in an evaluation of the background and status of the proposed Gautrain rapid-rail link. The different approaches to terrain evaluation are discussed in order to draw conclusions relative to the methodology used in this research. Subsequently the activity approach as described by Mitchell (1991) and Hugo et al (1997) was chosen as the methodology to use for this research and the terrain within the study area was classified according to its suitability for the development of the Gautrain rapid-rail link. A Geographic Information System (GIS) was utilised to aid in the terrain suitability analysis. As a result of the analysis an optimised route is proposed and compared to the rail routes already proposed for the Gautrain rapid-rail link. It is imperative that a terrain suitability analysis should form part of the preliminary phase of any environmental management cycle as portrayed in Fuggle & Rabie (1998), in order to identify suitable terrain for the development in question; the rapid-rail link route should be no exception.
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Digitalisation for optimisation of railway interlocking tests
- Authors: Nzama, Sipho Ian Ntokozo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Railroads , Railroads - Safety measures , Reliability (Engineering) , Railroad engineering , Engineering systems - Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/297348 , uj:32414
- Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: Railway system interlocking testing is highly valued and it is a priority that requires stringent procedures which are guided by rail safety regulations. Historically, interlocking testing required significant protocols and efforts which resulted in expensive resource allocation in the form of personnel, equipment and time. The introduction of new technology can potentially reduce the configuration setup times and automate repetitive testing. This in turn can improve the reliability of the test results, save time and resources. This study highlights modernised technology that proposes a new automated system setup that could improve the testing process as this technology can potentially replace traditional testing methods. The findings of this study prove that; the use of digital technology in railway interlocking testing can significantly reduce the amount of time traditionally spent on this process, digital testing can increase the reliability of the test results and it can save on the required human resources to run the tests. A key additional benefit of the digital system is that it uses Siemens Computer Aided Signalling (SICAS), which is developed to comply with the Safety Integrity Level 4 (SIL4) of the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation (CENELEC) Standard EN 50126 of Railway Applications.
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- Authors: Nzama, Sipho Ian Ntokozo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Railroads , Railroads - Safety measures , Reliability (Engineering) , Railroad engineering , Engineering systems - Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/297348 , uj:32414
- Description: M.Phil. (Engineering Management) , Abstract: Railway system interlocking testing is highly valued and it is a priority that requires stringent procedures which are guided by rail safety regulations. Historically, interlocking testing required significant protocols and efforts which resulted in expensive resource allocation in the form of personnel, equipment and time. The introduction of new technology can potentially reduce the configuration setup times and automate repetitive testing. This in turn can improve the reliability of the test results, save time and resources. This study highlights modernised technology that proposes a new automated system setup that could improve the testing process as this technology can potentially replace traditional testing methods. The findings of this study prove that; the use of digital technology in railway interlocking testing can significantly reduce the amount of time traditionally spent on this process, digital testing can increase the reliability of the test results and it can save on the required human resources to run the tests. A key additional benefit of the digital system is that it uses Siemens Computer Aided Signalling (SICAS), which is developed to comply with the Safety Integrity Level 4 (SIL4) of the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation (CENELEC) Standard EN 50126 of Railway Applications.
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Factors to improve time to market and efficiency of the product development processes of a transport engineering company
- Authors: Mthimkulu, Leabua
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Railroads , Railroads - Management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/452950 , uj:39968
- Description: Abstract: Innovation is crucial for South Africa and the region’s economic growth, developmental growth and competitiveness. Research and Development (R&D) has become necessary, as the enabler, to enhance technological innovation to find new and more efficient ways to solving the current economic problems facing South Africa and the region. Governments in many parts of the world over are playing a pivotal role in broadening and deepening their roles in ensuring that innovation takes a centre stage in their respective economies [1] [2]. This study focuses on how the Transnet Engineering (TE) R&D unit can achieve this imperative by focussing on crucial systems and processes used internationally for R&D organisations that must be in place to ensure the efficiency of its systems and processes. This study assesses TE R&D capability maturity based on a Capability Maturity Model (CMM). Thus, the unit of analysis is the collective TE R&D management function. A narrative-enquiry qualitative research-method is used in determining the capability maturity measurements of the key dimensions within the Kalypso R&D Management Framework. The capability maturity measurements are used to propose a possible roadmap to close the gap between where TE R&D departments are today and where they should be as a sustainable Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). In terms of assessing the full TE R&D management capability, only the processes used for TE R&D management were assessed using the R&D management CMM. The other dimensions for a capability, i.e. tools, resources and facilities, were measured indirectly by evaluating the processes for establishing them and looking for evidence that they exist. In terms of sustainability, only efficiency of the processes was evaluated, the effectiveness and relevance of TE R&D management practices are outside the scope of this study as CMM in engineering only treats process assessments which is the basis for efficiency measurements and Kalypso only addresses processes for the different aspects of R&D Management. The study offers recommendations for reinventing TE R&D through bringing in innovativeness, efficiency and agility towards improved organisational performance [3]. , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
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- Authors: Mthimkulu, Leabua
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Railroads , Railroads - Management
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/452950 , uj:39968
- Description: Abstract: Innovation is crucial for South Africa and the region’s economic growth, developmental growth and competitiveness. Research and Development (R&D) has become necessary, as the enabler, to enhance technological innovation to find new and more efficient ways to solving the current economic problems facing South Africa and the region. Governments in many parts of the world over are playing a pivotal role in broadening and deepening their roles in ensuring that innovation takes a centre stage in their respective economies [1] [2]. This study focuses on how the Transnet Engineering (TE) R&D unit can achieve this imperative by focussing on crucial systems and processes used internationally for R&D organisations that must be in place to ensure the efficiency of its systems and processes. This study assesses TE R&D capability maturity based on a Capability Maturity Model (CMM). Thus, the unit of analysis is the collective TE R&D management function. A narrative-enquiry qualitative research-method is used in determining the capability maturity measurements of the key dimensions within the Kalypso R&D Management Framework. The capability maturity measurements are used to propose a possible roadmap to close the gap between where TE R&D departments are today and where they should be as a sustainable Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). In terms of assessing the full TE R&D management capability, only the processes used for TE R&D management were assessed using the R&D management CMM. The other dimensions for a capability, i.e. tools, resources and facilities, were measured indirectly by evaluating the processes for establishing them and looking for evidence that they exist. In terms of sustainability, only efficiency of the processes was evaluated, the effectiveness and relevance of TE R&D management practices are outside the scope of this study as CMM in engineering only treats process assessments which is the basis for efficiency measurements and Kalypso only addresses processes for the different aspects of R&D Management. The study offers recommendations for reinventing TE R&D through bringing in innovativeness, efficiency and agility towards improved organisational performance [3]. , M.Ing. (Engineering Management)
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Factors that can improve the reliability of the traction motor for the locomotives
- Authors: Bopape, Thulare Kgaugelo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Locomotives , Railroads , Reliability (Engineering)
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/393621 , uj:32574
- Description: Abstract : In recent years, many customers are willing to pay product or service that will last them for a long time without disturbing their day to day run of business. Reliability management for the physical resources has to turn out to be the highly important aspect of running the business, especially in the logistics industry. It is vital for the customer to have a full understanding of the product lifecycle for the purpose of knowing the lifespan of a purchased product. Reliability development is directly linked to the product lifecycle cost (PLCC). Unreliability motor unit causes PLCC to increase and it is affecting the manufacturer’s revenue profits and their reputation. This study presents an approach of identifying factors that increase the reliability of traction motors and reduces its life cycle costs by quantifying the reliability of motor units in the rail environment, collecting data of failure statistics. This stats will be used to determine defect severity and how they affect the overall reliability of the system when components failed. The determination of the quantitative pilot survey was to examine the concept reliability management such as mean time between failures (MTBF), failure rate, projected PLCC for the duration of the warranty period for traction motor of Railway locomotives. Original Equipment Manufacturers are odd to investigate the potential means of dropping PLCC and improve the reliability of the product. Components such as brushes, commutator, brush rings, bearing and winding were identified as the main failures that occur frequently according to the stats collected at company X. Those components were scrutinized using reliability techniques such as Root Causes Analysis (RCA), Failure Mode and Effective Analysis (FMEA) and MTBF to determine the causes and effects of parts failing during their operational period. The risk was measured in the process. The Reliability was defined as the probability that the product or system performs its intended function in a specified time and environmental conditions at without changes its physical characteristics. Reliability can be expressed as the possibility of attainment. It is measured in terms of Mean Time between Failures (MTBF). The definition is broken down into three points which are as follows: Probability–Consumers expect the probability to be 100 percent. “Useable” Intended Function –Goods needs to be suitable to carry out its main activity without failing. Stated Conditions –Goods should be able to withstand environmental conditions without error. The findings reveal that finite training for operators that assemble the motor unit takes places. The periodic inspection must be conducted to prevent failure from occurring. Customers should be included in the reliability management program to educate them on how to use the product efficiently without causing unnecessary faults. Find ways of identifying possible failure can save a lot of time and effort for both manufacturers and endusers. , M.Phil. (Engineering Management)
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- Authors: Bopape, Thulare Kgaugelo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Locomotives , Railroads , Reliability (Engineering)
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/393621 , uj:32574
- Description: Abstract : In recent years, many customers are willing to pay product or service that will last them for a long time without disturbing their day to day run of business. Reliability management for the physical resources has to turn out to be the highly important aspect of running the business, especially in the logistics industry. It is vital for the customer to have a full understanding of the product lifecycle for the purpose of knowing the lifespan of a purchased product. Reliability development is directly linked to the product lifecycle cost (PLCC). Unreliability motor unit causes PLCC to increase and it is affecting the manufacturer’s revenue profits and their reputation. This study presents an approach of identifying factors that increase the reliability of traction motors and reduces its life cycle costs by quantifying the reliability of motor units in the rail environment, collecting data of failure statistics. This stats will be used to determine defect severity and how they affect the overall reliability of the system when components failed. The determination of the quantitative pilot survey was to examine the concept reliability management such as mean time between failures (MTBF), failure rate, projected PLCC for the duration of the warranty period for traction motor of Railway locomotives. Original Equipment Manufacturers are odd to investigate the potential means of dropping PLCC and improve the reliability of the product. Components such as brushes, commutator, brush rings, bearing and winding were identified as the main failures that occur frequently according to the stats collected at company X. Those components were scrutinized using reliability techniques such as Root Causes Analysis (RCA), Failure Mode and Effective Analysis (FMEA) and MTBF to determine the causes and effects of parts failing during their operational period. The risk was measured in the process. The Reliability was defined as the probability that the product or system performs its intended function in a specified time and environmental conditions at without changes its physical characteristics. Reliability can be expressed as the possibility of attainment. It is measured in terms of Mean Time between Failures (MTBF). The definition is broken down into three points which are as follows: Probability–Consumers expect the probability to be 100 percent. “Useable” Intended Function –Goods needs to be suitable to carry out its main activity without failing. Stated Conditions –Goods should be able to withstand environmental conditions without error. The findings reveal that finite training for operators that assemble the motor unit takes places. The periodic inspection must be conducted to prevent failure from occurring. Customers should be included in the reliability management program to educate them on how to use the product efficiently without causing unnecessary faults. Find ways of identifying possible failure can save a lot of time and effort for both manufacturers and endusers. , M.Phil. (Engineering Management)
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