Multiple-axle box acceleration measurements at railway transition zones

This paper presents a methodology for monitoring transition zones using responses of multiple-axle box acceleration (multi-ABA) measurements. The time–frequency characteristics of the vertical ABA signals from four wheelsets are analyzed. The major contributions are as follows. (1) We propose four key performance indicators (KPIs) to quantify...

Experimental design of an alkali-activated slag concrete railway sleeper

This research aims to improve the sustainability of Dutch prestressed concrete railway sleepers. Approximately 100.000 to 200.000 sleepers are used every year, corresponding to 12.000 to 24.000 tonnes of concrete. This will be done by replacing cement with an alkali-activated binder. The cement industry is responsible for approximately 5 to 7%...

Circulariteit van ballast

Nederland heeft ongeveer 7000 km spoor en bij het onderhoud daaraan komt er jaarlijks ongeveer 500 duizend ton aan ballast vrij. Het zou dus mooi zijn als dit allemaal hergebruikt kan worden. Maar doordat het ballast tijdens de levensduur vervuild en versleten raakt kan dit niet zomaar. De ballast wordt als chemisch afval beschouwd doordat er...

operational transitions in railway infrastructure

Technological innovations in the Dutch railway sector, such as ERTMS and the 3kV power supply system make it possible to increase the efficiency, effectivity and speed of the railway system in the upcoming decades. The implementation of systems such as ERTMS and 3kV is a lengthy process. The new systems will therefore operate alongside the old...

Strengthen the adaptability of the ERTMS implementation

The number of operational rail corridors equipped with ERTMS is increasing throughout Europe. The implementation of this critical safety system is planned to take several decades. However, ERTMS is a complex system that evolves continuously increasing the risk of using outdated parts and components. Therefore, adaptability is required for an...

Integrated condition-based track maintenance planning and crew scheduling of railway networks

We develop a multi-level decision making approach for optimal condition-based maintenance planning of a railway network divided into a large number of sections with independent stochastic deterioration dynamics. At higher level, a chance-constrained Model Predictive Control (MPC) controller determines the long-term section-wise maintenance...

Pareto-based maintenance decisions for regional railways with uncertain weld conditions using the Hilbert spectrum of axle box acceleration

This paper presents a Pareto-based maintenance decision system for rail welds in a regional railway network. Weld health condition data are collected using a train in operation. A Hilbert spectrum-based approach is used for data processing to detect and assess the weld quality based on multiple registered dynamic responses in the axle box...