Extension of Inspection Intervals and Post-Evaluation Based on Statistical Risk Assessment of Railway Point Machine

Key Points

• The aim is to extend the maintenance inspection intervals of railway point machines while maintaining management levels.
• Developed a maintenance inspection simulation based on a mixed Weibull hazard model from inspection records.
• Applied risk assessment before and after the extension of inspection intervals.
• Evaluated the practical implementation on 280 railway point machines in the JR Shikoku region.
• Extended inspection frequency from four to three times a year while maintaining safety standards.
• Implemented risk management strategies that demonstrated effectiveness in reducing maintenance frequency without compromising safety.
• Conducted a post-evaluation indicating positive outcomes from the inspection interval extension.