Análise técnico - operacional entre as bitolas estreita e larga nas ferrovias de carga no Brasil

Abstract

Since the early railways constructed in Brazil, the absence of criteria for standardizing railway gauge has hindered the development of freight rail transport in the country. The lack of uniformity in gauges results in the incompatibility of operational and maintenance assets, reducing flexibility and complicating the rational and optimized use of tracks. This study conducted a technical and operational analysis, considering the elements with the greatest influence on rail transport and linking these factors to adverse situations that can impact operations, maintenance, and the loading capacity of Brazilian railways. Train loading calculations, applied to narrow gauge (1.00 m) and broad gauge (1.60 m) tracks, took into account the technical and operational elements that can influence train sizing and, consequently, the efficiency of freight rail transport. Existing lines were evaluated from an integration perspective, preserving the economic and operational stability of railways in the choice of gauge to be used, making the analysis relative to the imposed geometric characteristics. For future sections, the expansion in broad gauge was suggested, with the preparation of a third rail in metric gauge to integrate existing sections as per emerging demand. This planning aims at greater integration in logistical operations, promoting a more efficient and sustainable approach to freight rail transport.