Copyright and Citation Considerations for This Thesis/ Dissertation
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COPYRIGHT AND CITATION CONSIDERATIONS FOR THIS THESIS/ DISSERTATION o Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use. o NonCommercial — You may not use the material for commercial purposes. o ShareAlike — If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you must distribute your contributions under the same license as the original. How to cite this thesis Surname, Initial(s). (2012). Title of the thesis or dissertation (Doctoral Thesis / Master’s Dissertation). Johannesburg: University of Johannesburg. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/102000/0002 (Accessed: 22 August 2017). University of Johannesburg 2019 The effectiveness of a new electro-pneumatic braking system introduced on Transnet high capacity coal trains Mini Dissertation By Phumzile Yeni Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the requirements for the MASTERS OF PHILOSOPHY In ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT In the FACULTY of ENGINEERING and BUILT ENVIRONMENT SUPERVISOR: DR. ANTON MANESCHIJN CO-SUPERVISOR: PROF. J.H.C. PRETORIUS 10-January-2019 Declaration Page I, “Phumzile Prudence Yeni”, student number “201464354”, hereby declare that this mini- dissertation is wholly my own work and has not been submitted anywhere else for academic credit either by myself or another person. I understand what plagiarism implies and declares that this mini-dissertation contains my own ideas, words, phrases, arguments, graphics, figures, results, organization, except where reference is explicitly made to another’s work. I understand further that any unethical academic behaviour, which includes plagiarism, is seen in a serious light by the University and is punishable by disciplinary action. Signed ................................ Date ........10-January-2019.............. i Abstract This study provides an analysis of the technology development within the railway brake system in the Transnet Freight Railway heavy haul line. The study focuses on brake system development within the freight railway business transporting coal from the mines in Ermelo to the client’s yard in Richards Bay. This study also provides findings from the technology development in freight railway braking system. An introduction of electronics in train braking system has brought operational improvements with an improved braking reaction feature that has simultaneous response capability during a brake command. The study was performed to determine railway transportation strategies that will improve performance thus meet client’s demand and improve business revenue. An analysis of the studies conducted by various authors reveals that a technology developed braking system features include safe operation and improved brake management in trains with longer cargo. The electro- pneumatic brake system is well-defined as the system with an improved safety feature, consistent operation and possesses a quick response feature during an application to slow down motion or to stop. An increase in export coal volume by a client has led into a research study on developments that will assist to achieve the expected quantities. A study conducted was aimed to achieve the coal tonnages as per the client demand, an increase in railway business revenues; improve the railway infrastructure business and operations. A study was conducted with reference to the railway brake system developments in different railway companies internationally. The results of the study reveal benefits of the system to improve operations and the control of all cargo in a train. The train’s serial cargo identification reduces standing times in case of fault identification by locating a defective object. In order to ensure continuous improvement in railway infrastructure and business competitiveness within the South African Railway infrastructure and neighbouring countries; research studies within the company is recommended for greater depth resulting in an increase in revenue. ii Dedication I would like to extend my special gratitude to my children (Anelisa, Ndoselihle and Andile) for believing in me; their support in everything that I do strengthens me. My mother and friends have been supportive towards my degree. I believe that the Master who deserves the greatest acknowledgement is my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. iii Acknowledgements I would like to extend my special gratitude to my colleagues at Transnet and GDID with support towards my research. I would like to thank my Supervisor Dr. Maneschijn and Prof. J.H.C. Pretorius for believing in me and providing the opportunity to complete my master’s degree. The meetings we had have always assisted me and gave courage to continue. iv Contents Chapter 1: Introduction ............................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Background ........................................................................................................................ 1 1.2 Research Problem Statement ............................................................................................. 5 1.3 Research Hypothesis.......................................................................................................... 6 1.4 Objective of the Study ....................................................................................................... 7 1.5 Purpose of the Study .......................................................................................................... 7 1.5 Purpose of the Study .......................................................................................................... 7 1.6 Chapters Overview ............................................................................................................ 7 1.7 Chapter Conclusion ........................................................................................................... 9 1.6 Chapters Overview ............................................................................................................ 9 1.7 Chapter Conclusion ......................................................................................................... 10 Chapter 2: Literature Review Studies ....................................................................................... 11 2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 11 2.2 Definition of the Braking System .................................................................................... 11 2.3 Factors and Benefits of the Improved System Design ............................................... 12 2.3.2 Braking System Performance ................................................................................. 14 2.4 Constraints .................................................................................................................. 19 2.5 Chapter Conclusion .................................................................................................... 20 Chapter 3: Research Methodology ............................................................................................ 21 3.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 21 3.2 Research Approach and Design .................................................................................. 21 3.3 Research Setting ......................................................................................................... 22 3.4 Study Population and Sample ..................................................................................... 23 3.5 Data Collection ........................................................................................................... 24 3.6 Reliability and Validity .............................................................................................. 27 3.7 Data analysis ............................................................................................................... 28 3.8 Chapter Conclusion .................................................................................................... 29 Chapter 4: Results and Findings ............................................................................................... 31 4.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 31 v 4.2 Discussion of the research question............................................................................ 31 4.3 Chapter Conclusion .................................................................................................... 38 Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations ......................................................................... 39 5.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 39 5.2 Discussion of the research questions conclusions ...................................................... 39 5.3 Chapter Conclusion .................................................................................................... 41 5.4 Recommendations ...................................................................................................... 41 REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................... 43 BIBLIOGRAPHY ....................................................................................................................