Methodology for Studying the Reliability of Interlocking Devices in Bulgarian Railways
2025
Emiliya Dimitrova | Vasil Dimitrov
Railway signalling systems must ensure the safe movement of trains and the reliability of the operation of their components is of utmost importance. One of the main components is the interlocking devices, which provide secure, safe and reliable interaction between points and signals in the controlled railway station area, and the safe movement of trains in this area depends on their proper functioning. In this article, the failures of the signalling devices in the Bulgarian railways over a three-year period (2020–2022) are analysed and processed according to a developed methodology. First, a statistical assessment of device failures is performed, comparing the number and duration of failures of different types of equipment, and calculating proportional ratios. Second, a reliability analysis is carried out and the reliability indicators are determined—mean time between failures <i>MTBF</i>, intensity of failure flow, availability and unavailability coefficients. The obtained results clearly demonstrate the need for determination of the complex reliability indicators. They give the clearest assessment of the state of the devices. If only a statistical assessment of failures and their duration is made or if only simple reliability indicators are calculated, erroneous conclusions can be drawn regarding maintenance and the need for modernization.
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