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A. van der Pas
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Mapping Out-of-Gauge Rail Freight Capacity
A Method for Identifying, Prioritising and Addressing UIC-Gauge Obstructions
Master thesis
(2026)
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A. van der Pas, A.J. van Binsbergen, A.A. Nunez Vicencio, R.C. Koppert , N. Bastein
This thesis develops a reproducible, data-driven methodology to map and enhance out-of-gauge rail freight capacity within the Dutch railway network by systematically identifying, quantifying, prioritising, and mitigating UIC load gauge violations. The research responds to challenges arising from ageing infrastructure built to outdated standards, growing passenger and freight demand, European interoperability requirements, and the need for increased network resilience through feasible diversion routes during disruptions.
The proposed method utilises existing ProRail measurement and asset data stored in the Sigma application, including track geometry and recorded gauge infringements. Following data cleaning, enrichment, and quality filtering, infrastructure margins are calculated in accordance with the static gauging principles of NEN‑EN 15273. These margins account for track irregularities, curvature and cant effects, and dynamic allowances, enabling the estimation of available swept-envelope space for rolling stock and cargo. The first methodological module generates location-specific gauge possibilities and geospatial visualisations, supporting corridor-level diagnostics and revealing spatial concentrations of violations.
To translate technical results into actionable decision support, a bottleneck prioritisation method is applied using a Bottleneck Priority Number (BNPN), combining exceedance magnitude, observation frequency, and transport-demand scenarios. By integrating BNPN rankings with mapped violations, the methodology distinguishes between low-effort adjustments and more extensive redesign measures, supporting phased mitigation planning and the development of a clearance database for proactive and reactive operational use.
A case study demonstrates that the method successfully identifies decisive bottlenecks, prioritisation outcomes, and solution strategies, while highlighting recurring issues related to signage and station environments. Although further case studies are required to confirm statistical robustness, the results indicate strong potential for improving rail network resilience and out-of-gauge freight routing capability. ...
The proposed method utilises existing ProRail measurement and asset data stored in the Sigma application, including track geometry and recorded gauge infringements. Following data cleaning, enrichment, and quality filtering, infrastructure margins are calculated in accordance with the static gauging principles of NEN‑EN 15273. These margins account for track irregularities, curvature and cant effects, and dynamic allowances, enabling the estimation of available swept-envelope space for rolling stock and cargo. The first methodological module generates location-specific gauge possibilities and geospatial visualisations, supporting corridor-level diagnostics and revealing spatial concentrations of violations.
To translate technical results into actionable decision support, a bottleneck prioritisation method is applied using a Bottleneck Priority Number (BNPN), combining exceedance magnitude, observation frequency, and transport-demand scenarios. By integrating BNPN rankings with mapped violations, the methodology distinguishes between low-effort adjustments and more extensive redesign measures, supporting phased mitigation planning and the development of a clearance database for proactive and reactive operational use.
A case study demonstrates that the method successfully identifies decisive bottlenecks, prioritisation outcomes, and solution strategies, while highlighting recurring issues related to signage and station environments. Although further case studies are required to confirm statistical robustness, the results indicate strong potential for improving rail network resilience and out-of-gauge freight routing capability. ...
This thesis develops a reproducible, data-driven methodology to map and enhance out-of-gauge rail freight capacity within the Dutch railway network by systematically identifying, quantifying, prioritising, and mitigating UIC load gauge violations. The research responds to challenges arising from ageing infrastructure built to outdated standards, growing passenger and freight demand, European interoperability requirements, and the need for increased network resilience through feasible diversion routes during disruptions.
The proposed method utilises existing ProRail measurement and asset data stored in the Sigma application, including track geometry and recorded gauge infringements. Following data cleaning, enrichment, and quality filtering, infrastructure margins are calculated in accordance with the static gauging principles of NEN‑EN 15273. These margins account for track irregularities, curvature and cant effects, and dynamic allowances, enabling the estimation of available swept-envelope space for rolling stock and cargo. The first methodological module generates location-specific gauge possibilities and geospatial visualisations, supporting corridor-level diagnostics and revealing spatial concentrations of violations.
To translate technical results into actionable decision support, a bottleneck prioritisation method is applied using a Bottleneck Priority Number (BNPN), combining exceedance magnitude, observation frequency, and transport-demand scenarios. By integrating BNPN rankings with mapped violations, the methodology distinguishes between low-effort adjustments and more extensive redesign measures, supporting phased mitigation planning and the development of a clearance database for proactive and reactive operational use.
A case study demonstrates that the method successfully identifies decisive bottlenecks, prioritisation outcomes, and solution strategies, while highlighting recurring issues related to signage and station environments. Although further case studies are required to confirm statistical robustness, the results indicate strong potential for improving rail network resilience and out-of-gauge freight routing capability.
The proposed method utilises existing ProRail measurement and asset data stored in the Sigma application, including track geometry and recorded gauge infringements. Following data cleaning, enrichment, and quality filtering, infrastructure margins are calculated in accordance with the static gauging principles of NEN‑EN 15273. These margins account for track irregularities, curvature and cant effects, and dynamic allowances, enabling the estimation of available swept-envelope space for rolling stock and cargo. The first methodological module generates location-specific gauge possibilities and geospatial visualisations, supporting corridor-level diagnostics and revealing spatial concentrations of violations.
To translate technical results into actionable decision support, a bottleneck prioritisation method is applied using a Bottleneck Priority Number (BNPN), combining exceedance magnitude, observation frequency, and transport-demand scenarios. By integrating BNPN rankings with mapped violations, the methodology distinguishes between low-effort adjustments and more extensive redesign measures, supporting phased mitigation planning and the development of a clearance database for proactive and reactive operational use.
A case study demonstrates that the method successfully identifies decisive bottlenecks, prioritisation outcomes, and solution strategies, while highlighting recurring issues related to signage and station environments. Although further case studies are required to confirm statistical robustness, the results indicate strong potential for improving rail network resilience and out-of-gauge freight routing capability.