USING DELAY-TIME ANALYSIS TO STUDY THE MAINTENANCE PROBLEM OF GEARBOXES

Uses the technique of delay-time analysis to model preventive maintena nce problems of gearboxes for the Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) Company Limi ted in Hong Kong. Presents a basic model of inspection maintenance, al ong with models of some of the variations which have been observed in the case being studied. Aims, in particular to identify the problems r equirements of KMB and then develop a delay-time model to fit the case , as well as to determine a preventive maintenance policy derived from the model so that the total maintenance cost per unit time can be min imized. Verifies the feasibility of implementing the policy according to three criteria: workers' utilization, downtime of the gearboxes and the monthly cost incurred by both maintenance and overhead. Compares the results with those of the current policy. Suggests recommendations to KMB for improving the current maintenance policy, and highlights t he general applicability of the delay-time modelling technique.