Detection of railway track defects - Train based field tests of prototype

Purpose and goal

The aim of the project is to develop a system for condition monitoring that can improve the maintenance effectiveness of the Swedish railway network to facilitate an optimisation of the asset availability, utilisation and ultimately attractiveness from a customer perspective. The goal of the project was to perform validation tests of a developed sensor for contactless measurement of railway fastener anomalies. The system has been validated via measurements from an in-service train under real conditions in a real railway environment.

Expected results and effects

In the project brackets for mounting the measurement sensor on two types of trains (maintenance vehicle and a freight train) have been manufactured. The brackets have been mounted on these locomotives together with the developed sensor prototype and associated auxiliary systems. Measurements has been performed and the measurement signals have been analysed with the aim of tuning the detection algorithm to fastener system anomalies. Successful tests of the developed algorithm and prototype have been performed and validated from locomotives in operation at a speed of 70 km/h.

Planned approach and implementation

The work in the project has been carried out in collaboration between the academy, industry and railway owners and operators. The work has been performed in three interconnected work packages. Fine-tuning of the prototype and manufacture of brackets, analysis of signals and adaptation of detection algorithm and field measurements. An important factor in this project has been the composition of individuals with the right skills and their ability to collaborate. The industry´s commitment has also been a contributing factor to a successful result, despite Covid-19 restrictions.