A Train-Borne Laser Vibrometer Solution Based on Multisignal Fusion for Self-Contained Railway Track Monitoring

Journal Article (2024)
Author(s)

Y. Zeng (TU Delft - Railway Engineering)

Alfredo Núñez (TU Delft - Railway Engineering)

RPBJ Dollevoet (TU Delft - Railway Engineering)

Arjen Zoeteman (ProRail)

Zili Li (TU Delft - Railway Engineering)

Research Group
Railway Engineering
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1109/TII.2024.3485764
More Info
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Publication Year
2024
Language
English
Research Group
Railway Engineering
Issue number
2
Volume number
21
Pages (from-to)
1585-1594
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Abstract

This article develops and tests a self-contained railway track monitoring system that fits in existing vehicles without the need for speed and load control. Combining a train-borne laser Doppler vibrometer and axle box accelerometers enables synchronized measurements of train-track response under operational conditions. Utilizing a GPS antenna and video camera, we propose the multisignal processing method to obtain train-track vibrations with train position and speed. Then, we fuse the multiple signals to extract an impact index and a resonance index and further propose an interpretable anomaly detection strategy. We test the system on an operational line at 20-60 km/h under different working conditions and verify the detection results using information from conventional technologies. The impact index peaks near joints and welds, and the resonance index yields a good correlation with the measured track geometry. The developed solution achieves the detection, localization, and quantification of surface and support anomalies in railway tracks.