ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF DYNAMIC LOADS ON LRT JABODEBEK WHEEL FLANGE WEAR

Abstract

Wheel wear is an important issue in the maintenance of rail-based transportation systems, particularly in the Jabodebek LRT system, which operates intensively in urban areas. This study aims to analyze the effect of dynamic loads on the rate of wear and to evaluate wheel life based on operational variations and track geometry. The research data includes primary data (interviews and wheel documentation) and secondary data (technical specifications, operational data, and track parameters) validated through triangulation. The analysis was conducted using a quantitative approach with dynamic load calculations referring to the Handbook of Railway Vehicle Dynamics and wear rates using Archard's Law corrected for geometric factors. The results show that the highest wear occurs on tracks with a curve radius < 125 m, which is predominantly triggered by lateral and centrifugal forces. Linear regression analysis shows a significant relationship between maximum dynamic load and daily wear rate (R² = 99.7%). These findings confirm that wheel life on narrow curved tracks is shorter than on straight tracks. This research contributes to the development of academic studies in the field of railway engineering, particularly in wear modeling and dynamic load analysis in rail transportation systems. From a technical perspective, the results of this modeling can be applied as a basis for optimizing predictive maintenance schedules and wheel reprofiling intervals. Furthermore, these findings provide strategic recommendations for evaluating operational speed limits on tight curves to reduce lateral forces, which has direct implications for enhancing the service life efficiency of rolling stock assets and operational reliability.