Line Capacity Calculator

The Line Capacity Calculator uses the following formula to estimate the number of trains that can pass through a given line within a 24-hour period:

Where:

• $C$ represents the Line Capacity (in Trains per 24 hours).
• $T$ is the Time of Slowest Running Train in minutes.
• $t$ is the Block Time in minutes.
• $E$ is the Efficiency Factor.

Explanation of the variables:

• Time of Slowest Running Train (T): This is the amount of time, in minutes, it takes for the slowest train to traverse the entire line. Essentially, it’s the longest duration a train would take to complete its journey from start to finish.
• Block Time (t): Block time refers to the time required for a train to pass through a specific segment or block of the track. It’s the time interval that ensures safe distances between trains.
• Efficiency Factor (E): This factor is used to account for any operational efficiencies or constraints. It’s a value between 0 and 1, where 1 indicates optimal efficiency and 0 indicates no efficiency at all. It allows you to adjust the calculation based on real-world operational considerations.
• 1440: This is the number of minutes in a 24-hour period. It’s used to convert the calculated capacity into a per-day metric.

The formula is derived from the fact that there are 1440 minutes in a day, and the number of trains that can pass through in a day depends on the time it takes for a train to complete its journey and the block time.

By plugging in the appropriate values for $T$, $t$, and $E$, you can use this formula to estimate the line capacity. Keep in mind that this is a simplified model and real-world factors may lead to variations in actual line capacity.