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Asset replacement for an urban railway using a modified two-cycle replacement model

Scarf, PA; Dwight, R; McCusker, A; Chan, A

Authors

PA Scarf

R Dwight

A McCusker

A Chan



Abstract

This paper considers the application of capital replacement models at Mass Transit Railway Corporation Limited (MTRCL), Hong Kong. A particular characteristic of the replacement problems considered is that costs relating to existing equipment are generally constant or increasing only slowly. Consequently, replacement is often driven by technical obsolescence, but other criteria are used for informing decisions. The applicability of traditional OR models of replacement is then problematic. We recommend the use of a modified two-cycle replacement model and compare this model to existing capital replacement models. Issues relating to the estimation of delay costs and failure consequences and their influence on the replacement decision are also considered—this is done using a fixed horizon model, which is a special case of the modified two-cycle model. Track points and escalators are used as particular examples. In addition to modelling recommendations, we discuss the management of asset replacement with emphasis on the procedures necessary to ensure that asset replacement requirements are considered appropriately and effectively. The paper treats, in particular, the procedural issues of asset replacement, and the discussion of asset replacement system methodology reflects the current practise at MTRCL, Hong Kong, and developments within that organization through collaboration with academia. The modified two-cycle replacement model is recommended by us for general replacement applications. The asset replacement procedure is presented as an exemplar for business and industry.

Citation

Scarf, P., Dwight, R., McCusker, A., & Chan, A. (2007). Asset replacement for an urban railway using a modified two-cycle replacement model. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 58(9), 1123-1137. https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.jors.2602288

Journal Article Type Article
Online Publication Date Aug 23, 2006
Publication Date Sep 1, 2007
Deposit Date Aug 21, 2007
Journal Journal of the Operational Research Society
Print ISSN 0160-5682
Publisher Palgrave Macmillan
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 58
Issue 9
Pages 1123-1137
DOI https://doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.jors.2602288
Keywords capital replacement, two-cycle replacement model, fixed horizon replacement model
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1057/palgrave.jors.2602288



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