Reducing traffic disruptions and damage to track and vehicles through improved regulations and procedures

Purpose and goal

Railway transports must be safe, reliable, environmentally friendly, (cost-)efficient and on time. To support this, the project´s aims are 1) improved rules and procedures to avoid traffic disruptions from infrastructure failures and stopped trains 2) improved track maintenance based on traffic conditions and 3) increased cooperation between infrastructure managers and operators. The basis is innovative ways of relating measured wheel loads to risk of failure. This eliminates human factors and provides a scientific basis for requirements and automated maintenance planning.

Expected effects and result

Increased railway efficiency and life by maintenance based on improved deterioration predictions. Improve gender and social equality through more efficient transportations. Less disruptions from infrastructure failures and unnecessary stopping of trains Improved procedures to measure dynamic wheel loads. Improved cooperation between infrastructure managers and operators through clearer regulations. Decrease environmental footprint by improving infrastructure life and maintenance. Result implementation by Trafikverket, operators and industry through CHARMEC.

Planned approach and implementation

The projekt covers 4 work packages WP1 Wheel impact load detectors Assessment of detectors and current status of wheel damage monitoring WP2 Simulation model Models for prediction of risk of rail breaks and damage caused by out-of-round wheels WP3 Track damage assessment Assessment of track damage focusing on rail cracks. Framework for categorization of wheel tread damage based on risks of track damage WP4 Revised regulations for more reliable track structures and implementation Recommended revisions of maintenance procedures and regulations for removal of damaged wheels