RAMS/LCC–Analysis for Transtec Gotthard

The joint venture Transtec Gotthard is the general contractor for die rail track technologie at the Gotthard (comprising the four partners Alcatel Installationstechnik AG, Alcatel-Lucent Schweiz AG & Thales Rail Signalling Solutions AG, Alpine-Bau GmbH und Balfour Beatty Rail GmbH).

IZP assisted Pöyry Infra GmbH (a partner of the AG Transtec Gotthard joint venture) with the preparation of the necessary RAMS-document needed for the quote for the rail track technologie of the Gotthard base tunnel.

Procedure

The RAMS-analysis was done in close accordance to EN 50126. This document outlines the methodology for the development of rail-specific RAMS-standards. It points out, how these standards can be reached. The procedure covers multiple life-cycle phases, starting with the concept (phase 1), including the manufacturing and (quality) control and going as far as the decommissioning of the system (phase 14). Each phase of the life cycle has pre-defined work results as well as verification and validation processes.

Work during teh preparation of the quote focussed mainly on phase 3 "Risk analysis" and phase 4 "system requirements". Within the RAMS-analysis it was verified if the standards as setout for the entire system has been met for these individual phases.

For RAMS-phase 3 the risks were connected to the respective system have been identified. All events, that could potentially lead to a risk, were systematically identified the help of a Hazard analysis. This process is based on a continuous risk management and can adjusted to new circumstances if need be.

In RAMS-phase 4 the RAMS standards as well as the documentation and acceptance criteria with regard to RAMS for the rail systems technology have been specified. The reliability of the systems was defined according to failure categories and frequencies. To this end all potential types of failure of the system were analysed with regard to their effect onto operations and the mean time between failures (MTBF).

results

In May 2007 AlpTransit Gotthard AG, the contracting company, handling the request for quote assigned the contract for rail track technology in the Gottahrd Base Tunnel to the joint venture Transtec Gotthard. The Gotthard base tunnel is scheluded to go into operation in 2017.