Development of a Predictive Maintenance Model to Enhance Reliability in Overhead Catenary Systems at Tanzania Railways Corporation: A Case of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: in overhead catenary systems at Tanzania Railways Corporation's Standard Gauge Railway from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro. The research aimed to identify factors affecting OCS reliability, formulate a mathematical predictive model, and validate its performance. A mixed-methods approach involving surveys of 60 professionals, field observations, and multiple regression analysis was employed. Data collection spanned a period of twelve months (2024-2025), encompassing operational parameters, environmental conditions, maintenance records, and system performance metrics, which were analysed using SPSS software. Relative Importance Index analysis identified seven critical factors: wire wear (RII = 0.9100), voltage deviation (RII = 0.9067), low conductivity (RII = 0.8867), support strength (RII = 0.8833), wire tension (RII = 0.8733), excess span length (RII = 0.8733), and high temperature (RII = 0.8700). Five factors showed minimal influence with RII values below 0.31. The multiple regression model achieved R = 0.99 and R² = 0.98, with 98% of the variance in OCS reliability explained by selected factors. ANOVA confirmed statistical significance (F = 13.286, p < 0.05). The predictive equation: Reliability = 0.990 - 0.071X₁ - 0.043X₂ - 0.011X₃ + 0.006X₄ + 0.009X₅ - 0.003X₆ - 0.006X₇. Model validation showed 80.4% prediction accuracy compared to 82% actual reliability, demonstrating effectiveness under both optimal (99.6% vs. 100%) and degraded conditions (44.4% vs. 44%). The model provides a framework for transitioning from reactive to proactive maintenance strategies, enabling Tanzania Railways Corporation to optimise resource allocation and enhance system reliability.
Authors: Jamali Hudu Katakweba, Respicius Kiiza
Institution: Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4414939128
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