Rail traffic modelling
We work with and develop methods and tools for specialized applications in rail traffic modelling and analysis. Our research combines domain knowledge in railway engineering with algorithmic competences in mathematical modelling and analysis. Besides current state-of-the-art methods available on the market, we strive to promote open source applications where possible and rely on original developments at our lab, which allows us to model and analyze (future) technologies and operational procedures, which are not fully represented in other tools, yet.
Capacity Analysis
Increasing demand has put current railway infrastructure to its limits. In order to provide customer-friendly and reliable service infrastructure extensions and system design changes are required. In order to support infrastructure and traffic planners we work on new methods for capacity assessment allowing to predict service reliability as a function of the traffic load. In this area, we are particularly interests in approaches, which allow to model timetable and network correlations, as well as a better integration of failure processes and disruption management measures.
Analysis of network and timetable concepts
We analyze and visualize properties, conncetions and developments in transportation networks and service concepts. We evaluate traffic behavior and transport processes within the network while considering restrictions induced by the singalling system and identify potential for improving traffic planning and railway operations.
Planning under Uncertainty
In planned and guided transportation systems such as rail traffic, modelling and predicting uncertainty is of utmost importance: Passengers expect punctual and reliable service, with a clear communication of deviations and potentially changing connections.
The core of our research is the quantification of uncertainties and their impact on railway operations. To this end, we apply data-driven, stochastic, and simulation-based approaches to solve problems in optimizing rail operations, capacity management, and strategic network planning.
Optimizing rail traffic management
(cf. Weik et al. Journal of Software Tools for Technology Transfer (2023)).
We analyze railway operation procedures and assess the impact and potential of new technologies and procedural changes. We perform impact analysis w.r.t. railway operations of, e.g., new signalling systems or improvements in infrastructure availability, focussing on service reliability, capacity and the feasibility of timetable concepts. A key interest is on improving the integration between railway operations and asset management, where we provide new techniques and assessment frameworks for identifying the criticality of assets and the quality of the infrastructure.