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

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:17:48 +0700

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.

ANALYSIS OF RAIL WEAR AND PREDICTION OF SERVICE LIFE AT THE FATMAWATI CURVE OF MRT JAKARTA

Tue, 05 May 2026 20:32:56 +0700

Urban mass transit systems, such as the Jakarta Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) support high mobility but face track maintenance challenges from rapid degradation. Rail wear is the gradual loss of material due to repeated wheel rail contact while the contributing factors include friction, forces, accumulated passing tonnage, environmental conditions, material quality, and lack of lubrication. The Fatmawati Curve, characterized by a sharp 180-meter radius, exhibits one of the highest wear rates along the MRT Jakarta line due to intense dynamic forces. This study comprehensively analyzes the rail wear rate and its contributing factors at this critical location, while predicting the remaining rail service life using Simple Linear Regression and the theoretical AREA (American Railway Engineering Association) method. Empirical data were obtained from precise measurements conducted by the Civil Permanent Way Maintenance (CPWM) team of PT MRT Jakarta from May 2024 to June 2025 on both the Up Track and Down Track. The analysis results indicate that horizontal wear is the dominant degradation mechanism on this curve, progressing significantly and exceeding 5 mm after 84 months of operation, while vertical wear remains minimal at below 1.5 mm. Based on the maximum wear limits stipulated by national regulations (Permenhub No. 32/2011), the Simple Linear Regression model estimates that the critical wear limit will be reached between 2029 for the Down Track and 2030 for the Up Track. In contrast, the AREA method provides a longer, theoretical service life estimation extending to 2035 because it primarily accounts for material fatigue limits rather than physical field wear. Because the linear regression projections more accurately reflect actual aggressive field conditions, proactive track maintenance interventions such as optimized track lubrication, geometric control, and scheduled rail replacement at the Fatmawati Curve are highly recommended prior to 2029 to prevent technical failures and ensure long-term operational safety.

JICE (Journal of Infrastructural in Civil Engineering)

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

ANALYSIS OF RAIL WEAR AND PREDICTION OF SERVICE LIFE AT THE FATMAWATI CURVE OF MRT JAKARTA