ABSTRACT

A mathematical model for the track maintenance scheduling problem is presented in this paper. The model improves a previously proposed one by using seasonal track possession costs. A more general cost structure is reported: a structure has the possibility of including penalty cost paid if the first execution for each maintenance action is planned too early in the first allowed cycle compared with its end. The aim of this study is to get the optimal schedule for those actions over one segment of track in a finite horizon, and to discuss the influence of a set of non-combinable works and possession costs on the optimal solution. The model was tested for two scenarios by using MATLAB R2014b. In conclusion, it was found that the set of non-combinable works and the possession costs play important roles in the optimal schedule and that the model preferred to avoid planning in the periods concurred with months of high possession costs as much as possible.