Intelligent train control for cooperative train formation: A deep reinforcement learning approach

Considering the intelligent train control problem in long-term evolution for metro system, a new train-to-train communication-based train control system is proposed, where the cooperative train formation technology is introduced for realizing a more flexible train operation mode. To break the limitation of centralized train control, a pre-exploration-based two-stage deep Q-learning algorithm is adopted in the cooperative train formation, which is one of the first intelligent approaches for urban railway formation control. In addition, a comfort-considered algorithm is given, where optimization measures are taken for providing superior passenger experience. The simulation results illustrate that the optimized algorithm has a smoother jerk curve during the train control process, and the passenger comfort can be improved. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm can effectively accomplish the train control task in the multi-train tracking scenarios, and meet the control requirements of the cooperative formation system.

A Numerical Method for the Design of the U-Shaped Segmental Tunnel Lining under the Impact of Earthquakes: A Case Study of a Tunnel in the Hanoi Metro System

Circular tunnels are usually encountered when excavation tunnel. However, the U-shapedtunnel lining is used a lot in practice because of it’s advantages. However, there are not many studies inthe world to calculate and design for underground structures with U-shaped tunnel lining, especially inthe case of tunnels being affected by earthquakes. This paper proposes a new numerical-HRM methodapproach for the analysis of U-shaped segmental tunnel lining under the impact of earthquakes. Hanoi isthe capital of Vietnam, this is a big city with more than 8 million people. Hanoi is located between twomajor fault systems, the Red River fault system and the Son La-Dien Bien-Lai Chau fault system.Therefore, the Hanoi area is assessed as likely to be affected by earthquakes of magnitude Mw = 6.1 up to6.5 Richter. The Hanoi metro system is constructed by TBM and the U-shaped segmental tunnel lining isalso one of the types of tunnel lining considered for use in the construction of metro tunnels in Hanoi. Theimproved HRM method has been used to investigate the effect of joints in the tunnel lining from the Hanoisystem metro under the impact of earthquakes is conducted considering from the results of the tunnellining behavior in terms of bending moment (M), normal forces (N) and tunnel lining displacements (δn)in both cases: the U-shaped continuous tunnel lining and the U-shaped segmental tunnel lining.

Optimization of Multi-Period Rail Procurement Plan

Rail is one of the most expensive assets in railway infrastructure. Therefore, a well-prepared rail procurement plan could benefit the asset management. For the metro system in Taiwan, the rail procurement plan includes two major uncertainties, namely, currency rates and the global steel price. In this study, we propose deterministic and stochastic optimization models using a scenario-generation process to minimize the expected cost of the rail procurement plan. Results from the case studies demonstrate that the proposed models can successfully incorporate the uncertainties and obtain the optimal procurement plan. The sensitivity analysis on budget, storage capacity, and expiration period also provides the metro operator the best strategy to further lower the procurement cost. Adopting these models in rail procurement planning can improve the process and results of rail asset management.

Full Battery and Hybrid Bus based Rapid Transit System as a Cost Effective Urban Transit Mode alternative to Metros in Tier II Tier III Indian Cities

Intra-city travel is a significant part of urban life and a fully functional intra-city transit system will help in reducing the number of private vehicles on the road, thus reducing pollution and traffic congestions. A robust urban transit system helps in the physical expansion of city limits, making education, job, and medical facilities accessible to people living in city fringe areas. This will help in depopulating the Central Business District areas and optimization of real estate cost. Heavy Rail Based Metro Transit system has improved living conditions in Metropolitan cities. The High Capital Investment required for setting up a metro system necessitates the requirement of alternate Transit systems for Medium and smaller cities. This paper delves into this important area of suggesting an alternate urban transit model for Tier II and Tier III Indian cities. In this paper, modifications were suggested in the Metro Neo specification issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs [10], to make it more cost-effective (to construct and maintain), agile, and with scope to harness new technologies as they become commercially viable in the future. Elevated or dedicated Busways with Full Diesel Hybrid Buses comprising an Energy Storage system (Li-ion battery pack) and a diesel power pack are suggested as the rolling stock for the transit system. This suggested rolling stock will be not only cost effective but also environmentally friendly. In the future, the Diesel Power Packs in the buses can be replaced with Hydrogen Fuel Cells or additional batteries to enable full electric and non-fossil fuel operation. The need for further research in developing cost-optimized structures in the Construction of viaducts and bus stations is felt and details in these areas have been highlighted. The suggested system will have the flexibility of a Bus Rapid Transit system and shall have some advantages of a metro system. Even in big cities with a full-fledged Metro system, the suggested modified Metro Neo system can act as a feeder system from faraway places. The paper proposes essential features of a transit system that is robust in present and is future-ready.

Full Battery and Hybrid Bus based Rapid Transit System as a Cost Effective Urban Transit Mode alternative to Metros in Tier II Tier II I Indian Cities

Intra-city travel is a significant part of urban life and a fully functional intra-city transit system will help in reducing the number of private vehicles on the road, thus reducing pollution and traffic congestions. A robust urban transit system helps in the physical expansion of city limits, making education, job, and medical facilities accessible to people living in city fringe areas. This will help in depopulating the Central Business District areas and optimization of real estate cost. Heavy Rail Based Metro Transit system has improved living conditions in Metropolitan cities. The High Capital Investment required for setting up a metro system necessitates the requirement of alternate Transit systems for Medium and smaller cities. This paper delves into this important area of suggesting an alternate urban transit model for Tier II and Tier III Indian cities. In this paper, modifications were suggested in the Metro Neo specification issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs [10], to make it more cost-effective (to construct and maintain), agile, and with scope to harness new technologies as they become commercially viable in the future. Elevated or dedicated Busways with Full Diesel Hybrid Buses comprising an Energy Storage system (Li-ion battery pack) and a diesel power pack are suggested as the rolling stock for the transit system. This suggested rolling stock will be not only cost effective but also environmentally friendly. In the future, the Diesel Power Packs in the buses can be replaced with Hydrogen Fuel Cells or additional batteries to enable full electric and non-fossil fuel operation. The need for further research in developing cost-optimized structures in the Construction of viaducts and bus stations is felt and details in these areas have been highlighted. The suggested system will have the flexibility of a Bus Rapid Transit system and shall have some advantages of a metro system. Even in big cities with a full-fledged Metro system, the suggested modified Metro Neo system can act as a feeder system from faraway places. The paper proposes essential features of a transit system that is robust in present and is future-ready.