Infrastructure independent rail quality diagnosis and monitoring system

Abstract

Rail transportation, in both city and intercity scenarios is becoming a golden standard for dealing with city congestion and increased commute times. As rail-based alternatives raise in scope and economic impact, monitoring and maintaining rail infrastructure in optimum conditions becomes and increasing challenge for rail transport companies and public infrastructure developers. Rail quality has a determinant role in the overall services quality, average line speeds and perceived ride quality – and is thus a prime candidate for priority monitoring. As rail tracks stretch for thousands of kilometers, monitoring through classical means and technology is work intensive, costly and inefficient. The proposed work aims to empower rail infrastructure companies with the means to constantly monitor and diagnose rail quality in specific segments. The proposed solution consists of a train-mounted device and a set of algorithms capable of detecting deficiencies in the railway tracks. The monitoring system was mounted in order to collect the data inside the tram 41, 42 and on a test bogie in Dudesti depot from Bucharest. The current tests demonstrated the system viability and set the stage for further development into a city-wide monitoring solution.