Research Article
Feb 1974
Analytical Approach to Railway Signal Block Design
Publication: Transportation Engineering Journal of ASCE
Volume 100, Issue 1
Abstract
Originally intended for rapid transit systems, it is also applicable to any rail system where high-speed, short-headway characteristics are required to maintain a smooth and efficient flow of passengers or goods. Analytical techniques are used to select system speed commands using a cost-benefit analysis; to determine the speed-location operating profile; to locate signal block boundaries; and to determine signal logic. Four computer programs are used to calculate station dwell times, to simulate train performance, to calculate safe braking distance, and to determine headway. These programs determine the highest feasible speeds, consistent with civil design restrictions, at which trains can travel while at design headways. The algorithm for block layout then ensures that the minimum number of blocks will be used to provide the design headways subject to all system limitations. Program inputs include car characteristics and track profile, user demand statistics, and the design headway.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Transportation Engineering Journal of ASCE
Volume 100 • Issue 1 • February 1974
Pages: 71 - 83
Copyright
© 1974 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published in print: Feb 1974
Published online: Feb 5, 2021
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Authors
Affiliations
David M. Weiss
Transportation Engr., Gibbs & Hill, Inc., New York, N.Y.
David R. Fialkoff, AM.ASCE
Project Mgr., URS/Coverdale & Colpitts, Inc., New York, N.Y., formerly Transportation
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ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.