scholarly journals Measurement of the Geometric Center of a Turnout for the Safety of Railway Infrastructure Using MMS and Total Station

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (16) ◽  
pp. 4467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arkadiusz Kampczyk
Keyword(s):  
Field Measurements ◽  
Technical Condition ◽  
Railway Network ◽  
Total Station ◽  
Analysis And Evaluation ◽  
Geometric Conditions ◽  
Geometric Center ◽  
Railway Infrastructure ◽  
Magnetic Measuring ◽  
Correct Location

The turnouts in railway infrastructure constitute bottlenecks, limiting the capacity of the entire railway network. Due to their design and geometry, these turnouts force speed limits. The need to ensure the proper technical condition of turnouts has prompted ongoing scientific research and the use of modern technological solutions. Until now, there have been no tests for the correct location of the geometric center of a double and outside slip turnout with the related geometric relationships. Therefore, the main objective of this research was to demonstrate the position of the geometric centre of a double slip turnout and the geometric conditions of the curves of circular diverted tracks by measuring the horizontal versines and geometric irregularities of turnouts. The application of this surveying method, with reference to obtuse crossings and arising from geometric dependencies in the double and outside slip turnout, is defined and implemented (also known as a method for checking the correct location of the geometric center of a turnout—Surveying and Monitoring of the Geometric Center of a Double and Outside Slip Turnout (SMDOST)) via the Magnetic-Measuring Square (MMS) and electronic Total Station. This method also recommends measuring the horizontal versines of the diverted tracks. This paper presents the results of field measurements using the SMDOST and MMS methods, which were applied to carry out an analysis and evaluation of the turnout geometry conditions, thereby presenting the irregularities that cause turnout deformations. The validity of the SMDOST method using MMS and Total Station was thus confirmed. The observations from the conducted research indicate that neglecting measurements of the geometry of the turnouts resulted in additional irregularities in their conditions.

scholarly journals Experimental Strain Measurement Approach Using Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors for Monitoring of Railway Switches and Crossings

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. 3639
Author(s):  
Abdelfateh Kerrouche ◽  
Taoufik Najeh ◽  
Pablo Jaen-Sola
Keyword(s):  
Fiber Bragg Grating ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Measuring Method ◽  
Bragg Grating ◽  
Railway Network ◽  
System Failures ◽  
Railway Infrastructure ◽  
Train Speed ◽  
And Control

Railway infrastructure plays a major role in providing the most cost-effective way to transport freight and passengers. The increase in train speed, traffic growth, heavier axles, and harsh environments make railway assets susceptible to degradation and failure. Railway switches and crossings (S&C) are a key element in any railway network, providing flexible traffic for trains to switch between tracks (through or turnout direction). S&C systems have complex structures, with many components, such as crossing parts, frogs, switchblades, and point machines. Many technologies (e.g., electrical, mechanical, and electronic devices) are used to operate and control S&C. These S&C systems are subject to failures and malfunctions that can cause delays, traffic disruptions, and even deadly accidents. Suitable field-based monitoring techniques to deal with fault detection in railway S&C systems are sought after. Wear is the major cause of S&C system failures. A novel measuring method to monitor excessive wear on the frog, as part of S&C, based on fiber Bragg grating (FBG) optical fiber sensors, is discussed in this paper. The developed solution is based on FBG sensors measuring the strain profile of the frog of S&C to determine wear size. A numerical model of a 3D prototype was developed through the finite element method, to define loading testing conditions, as well as for comparison with experimental tests. The sensors were examined under periodic and controlled loading tests. Results of this pilot study, based on simulation and laboratory tests, have shown a correlation for the static load. It was shown that the results of the experimental and the numerical studies were in good agreement.

scholarly journals Decision-Making Process in the Case of Insufficient Rail Capacity

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 5023
Author(s):  
Anna Dolinayova ◽  
Vladislav Zitricky ◽  
Lenka Cerna
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Network Capacity ◽  
Cost Calculation ◽  
Detailed Calculation ◽  
Railway Transport ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Railway Network ◽  
Railway Infrastructure ◽  
Rail Infrastructure ◽  
The Impact

One of the main priorities of transport policy in the EU is to take measures to support railway transport as an environmentally friendly transport mode. An interesting challenge for a railway transport operation is represented with cost items for its operation. This problem is exacerbated if transport flows are routed through a congested railway infrastructure. If some or all transport takes place on congested rail infrastructure, the carrier’s costs increase, which may ultimately lead to withdrawal from the market. The article deals with the impact of insufficient capacity on the rail carrier’s costs. We used a pre-cost calculation methodology to calculate the rail carrier’s additional costs due to the insufficient railway network capacity based on detailed calculation of train costs and proposed a methodology for carrier decision-making in case of insufficient rail infrastructure capacity. The case study showed that the use of a diversion track in case of insufficient planned rail line capacity may not be advantageous for carriers, even with a longer waiting time for capacity to be released. One of the ways to eliminate the negative effects of congested railway infrastructure is investment in the increase of its capacity.

scholarly journals Proposed Models to Calculate and Optimize Line Capacity under Different Operation Conditions for Egyptian Railway Network

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Diana M.S. Rahoma ◽  
Ali Z. Heikal ◽  
Haytham N. Zohny ◽  
Akram S. Kotb
Keyword(s):  
Analytical Models ◽  
Coefficient Of Determination ◽  
Average Error ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Railway Network ◽  
Operational Conditions ◽  
Railway Line ◽  
Operation Conditions ◽  
Capacity Evaluation ◽  
Railway Infrastructure

The capacity evaluation models are planning tools that help government agencies to maximize the benefit from existing railway infrastructure and improve rail transportation operations. These models determine the maximum number of trains that could operate on a given railway infrastructure, during a specific time interval under operational conditions. This paper develops analytical models to calculate the railway line capacity using a regression analysis based on the Egyptian official timetable. The Egyptian railway network consists of 104 links under different operation conditions (passenger / freight, passenger and freight trains) with mechanical or electrical signals systems running on single or double tracks. To calculate railway practical capacity, the three equations for each operation conditions were improved by the combination of the longest block section and passenger and freight speed. These equations have accepted value of the coefficient of determination and the absolute average error. Finally the maximum capacity is obtained by the optimum values of effective factors using iteration technique. This optimum values will increased about 80% of the capacity for Egyptian network lines.

scholarly journals ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION OF THE IMPACT OF RAILWAY INFRASTRUCTURE PARAMETERS CHANGES ON "RAIL BALTICA" PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vytautas Palevičius ◽  
Mantas Kaušylas
Keyword(s):  
Project Implementation ◽  
Time Line ◽  
Analysis And Evaluation ◽  
Scientific Discussion ◽  
Railway Infrastructure ◽  
Criteria Weights ◽  
Basic Parameters ◽  
Implementation Time ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Kendall Method

“Rail Baltica” project is priority project No 27 “Rail Baltica” axis Warsaw-Kaunas-Riga-Tallinn-Helsinki, approved by Decision No 884/2004/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 amending Decision No 1692/96/EC on Community guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network (European Union, 2004). An article analyzes the changes in the main parameters of the 1435 mm gauge railway infrastructure during the whole period of the “Rail Baltica” project, determines their impact on the project implementation time-line, purposes and results, highlights basic parameters which need to be met during modernization. On this basis, the main criteria for the evaluation of Rail Baltica rail infrastructure were selected. An expert survey was conducted to evaluate the criteria. The Kendall method was used to calculate the criteria weights. The article ends with a scientific discussion.

Heat-Related Failures on Southeast England’s Railway Network: Insights and Implications for Heat Risk Management

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Ferranti ◽  
Lee Chapman ◽  
Caroline Lowe ◽  
Steve McCulloch ◽  
David Jaroszweski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
High Temperatures ◽  
Heat Waves ◽  
Summer Season ◽  
Temporal And Spatial Distribution ◽  
Railway Network ◽  
Railway Infrastructure ◽  
Infrastructure System ◽  
Heat Risk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract High temperatures and heat waves can cause numerous problems for railway infrastructure, such as track buckling, sagging of overhead lines, and the failure of electrical equipment. Without adaptation, these problems are set to increase in a future warmer climate. This study used industry fault data to examine the temporal and spatial distribution of heat-related incidents in southeast England and produce a unique evidence base of the impact of temperature on the rail network. In particular, the analysis explored the concept of failure harvesting, whereby the infrastructure system becomes increasingly resilient to temperature over the course of the summer season (April–September) as the most vulnerable assets fail with each incremental rise in temperature. The analysis supports the hypothesis and clearly shows that a greater number of heat-related incidents occur in the early/midsummer season before reducing significantly, despite equivalently high temperatures. This failure harvesting and the consequential increased resilience of the railway infrastructure system over the course of the summer season could permit an innovative and dynamic new approach to heat risk management on the railway network. New approaches that would reduce the disruption and delays and improve service are explored here.

Modification of train resistance formulae for container trains based on operational run-down tests

2017 ◽  
Vol 232 (6) ◽  
pp. 1588-1597 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomáš Michálek
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
The State ◽  
Operational Experience ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Railway Network ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Central European ◽  
Railway Infrastructure

The method currently used for the estimation of train resistance based on specific train resistance has some shortcomings. This method is applied by various railway infrastructure managers, e.g. in the Czech Republic. In this article, first, the Czech formulae for the calculation of train resistance of freight trains are introduced and compared with selected foreign methods. Operational experience from recent years shows that the train resistance formulae used are too conservative and do not correspond to the state-of-the-art railway technology. Therefore, a modified approach for the estimation of train resistance is proposed in this paper. The modification is based on an analysis of run-down tests conducted with ordinary container trains currently operating on the Central European railway network. The contributing factors in the proposed train resistance formula are discussed.

Application of the Prediction Model "SCHALL 03" for Railway Noise Calculation in Serbia

2013 ◽  
Vol 430 ◽  
pp. 237-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Momir Praščevič ◽  
Aleksandar Gajicki ◽  
Darko Mihajlov ◽  
Nenad Živković ◽  
Ljiljana Zivkovic
Keyword(s):  
Prediction Model ◽  
Prediction Models ◽  
National Level ◽  
Rolling Stock ◽  
Railway Network ◽  
Local Conditions ◽  
Railway Noise ◽  
Technological Characteristics ◽  
Accuracy And Precision ◽  
Railway Infrastructure

Application of the prediction models for railway noise indicators calculation, which was already developed by other countries, represents a major challenge in Serbia. Prediction model "Schall 03" was developed in line with technical and technological characteristics of the rolling stock and infrastructure of German Railways. Prior to its application at the national level, due to different technical-technological characteristics of railway stock and railway infrastructure it is necessary to perform its validation and, depending on the needs, the calibration in accordance with local conditions. This will assure accuracy and precision of the calculations of noise indicators, as well as confidence in the results obtained by prediction model "Schall 03". This paper presents the analysis of the possibilities to apply German prediction model "Schall 03" on the Serbian railway network, more precisely railway section from Belgrade to Romanian border. Calculated values of noise indicators were compared with the results of measurements of noise indicators within measuring interval, which correspond to the referent time intervals for different day periods.

scholarly journals Resilience of Railway Transport to Four Types of Natural Hazards: An Analysis of Daily Train Volumes

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (12) ◽  
pp. 174
Author(s):  
Vigile Marie Fabella ◽  
Sonja Szymczak
Keyword(s):  
Natural Hazards ◽  
Natural Hazard ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Mass Movements ◽  
Reverse Causality ◽  
Railway Network ◽  
Railway Traffic ◽  
Railway Infrastructure ◽  
Data Regression ◽  
Traffic Volumes

A crucial step in measuring the resilience of railway infrastructure is to quantify the extent of its vulnerability to natural hazards. In this paper, we analyze the vulnerability of the German railway network to four types of natural hazards that regularly cause disruptions in German rail operations: floods, mass movements, slope fires, and tree falls. Using daily train traffic data matched with various data on disruptive events, we quantify the extent to which these four types of natural hazard reduce daily train traffic volumes. With a negative binomial count data regression, we find evidence that the track segments of the German railway network are most vulnerable to floods, followed by mass movements and tree-fall events. On average, floods reduce traffic on track segments by 19% of the average daily train traffic, mass movements by 16%, and tree fall by 4%. Moreover, when more than one type of natural hazard affects the track segment on the same day, train traffic on that segment falls by 34% of the average train traffic. Slope fires have an ambiguous and nonrobust effect on train traffic due to the reverse causality due to its triggering factors. This is the first study that attempts to rank different natural hazards according to their impact on railway traffic. The results have implications for the selection of resilience strategy and can help prioritize policy measures.

scholarly journals Measurement of the geometric conditions of the visibility of the level railroad crossing

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 (8) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Arkadiusz Kampczyk
Keyword(s):  
Measuring Device ◽  
Geometric Conditions ◽  
Magnetic Measuring ◽  
Diagnostic Work ◽  
Road Crossing

The article discusses the issues related to the visibility conditions of level railroad crossing - taking into account the author's measurements. The results of the work on the geometric visibility conditions were obtained with the use of the manual adapters used to mount the geodetic prisms on the manual or digital gauges. The measurements also used a magnetic-measuring device with a disc. The technical and operational documentation of a railway / road crossing or passage, called the rail / road crossing / passage meter, requires geodetic and diagnostic work. Obligatory preparation of this documentation leads to improvement of its quality and uniformity throughout the country. The article presents author's observations and conclusions. This work was performed within the statutory audit of AGH US 11.11.150.005.

scholarly journals Effect of Railway Track Segmentation Method on the Optimal Solution of Tamping Planning Problem

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 1998-2010
Author(s):  
Mohammad Daddow ◽  
Xinglin Zhou ◽  
Hasan A.H. Naji ◽  
Mo'men Ayasrah
Keyword(s):  
Programming Model ◽  
Optimal Solution ◽  
Railway Track ◽  
Mixed Integer ◽  
Maintenance Cost ◽  
Planning Problem ◽  
Segmentation Method ◽  
Railway Network ◽  
Railway Infrastructure ◽  
Optimal Maintenance

The safety and continuality of the railway network are guaranteed by carrying out a lot of maintenance interventions on the railway track. One of the most important of these actions is tamping, where railway infrastructure managers focus on optimizing tamping activities in ballasted tracks to reduce the maintenance cost. To this end, this article presents a mixed integer linear programming model of the Tamping Planning Problem (TPP) and investigates the effect of track segmentation method on the optimal solution by three scenarios. It uses an opportunistic maintenance technique to plan tamping actions. This technique clusters many tamping works through a time period to reduce the track possession cost as much as possible. CPLEX 12.6.3 is used in order to solve the TPP instances exactly. The results show that the total number of machine preparations increases by increasing the number of track segments. It is also found that the total costs increase by 6.1% and 9.4% during scenarios 2 and 3, respectively. Moreover, it is better to consider the whole railway track as a single segment (as in scenarios 1) that consists of a set of sections during the tamping planning in order to obtain the optimal maintenance cost. Doi: 10.28991/cej-2021-03091774 Full Text: PDF

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