Design of new generation of switches and crossings

Abstract

Switches and crossings are the essential elements of railway lines. In 2016, the S-CODE (Switch and Crossing Optimal Design and Evaluation, Shift2Rail) project was initiated, which seeks radically new ways of changing trains between tracks with regard to the growing capacity and reliability. The fundamental objective of the research activity at this stage is to find reliable and robust designs with low life-cycle costs, low carbon footprint, and low maintenance. The use of new materials, manufacturing processes, electronic equipment, and signal processing and mechatronic solutions, is investigated.