Application of Blocking Time Analysis for Specific Signal Arrangements

Blocking time analysis is an approved and widely adopted method to calculate and describe the operational us-age of railroad infrastructure by train movements. It is the theoretical basis for the most advanced software solu-tions for train scheduling and capacity management. The basic idea behind blocking time analysis has been re-cently described in several publications including presentations at TRB meetings. Although the principle of blocking time analysis is easy to understand, there sometimes occur problems in correct application of this method for specific signal arrangements. This paper explains practical solutions for the calculation of the ap-proach time of different block signal systems and for handling the blocking time of block overlaps. These solu-tions are valuable both for correct use of existing software systems and for development of new systems.