Computer-aided maintenance and renewal of track

An approach is described for analyzing the deterioration of track components, and methods are suggested for helping the engineer decide when maintenance is necessary and when is the best time for renewal. The data needed for proper monitoring of various types of track deterioration are discussed. Where techniques for predicting deterioration and failure exist they are described. Suggestions are made as to how these predictive techniques could be used to help maintenance and renewal decisions.<<ETX>>