LIFE CYCLE COST MATTERS: THE AXLE COUNTER REVOLUTION

Abstract

This paper shows a sample of the LCC comparison of an hypothetic topological scenario fitted with the two generations of electronic axle counters that are today available in the market. For those non familiarized readers it is recommended to get prior the understanding about the axle counter system concept and the highlight features of the comparison between the old fashioned electronic generation of axle counter systems with the new one generation, state of the art, that has been recently released by the main players in the market. For this purpose it is recommended to consult the paper of this same author "LYFE CICLE COSTING MATTERS: EVOLUTION OF THE AXLE COUNTER TECHNOLOGY" that is published in a previous number of this magazine. This paper provides the results of the LCC analyses obtained with these two product generations and the comparison result between both of them. It should give advice to all consultant companies and railway operators about which is the right choose when preparing basic designs or performing purchases of this kind of track vacancy detection devices.