Track test monitoring system using a multipurpose experimental train

Abstract

In order to inspect the condition of tracks, which support railway cars, track irregularity is measured four times a year along conventional lines by track inspection cars, called "East-i". Track irregularity and the track materials that cannot be inspected with the track inspection car are regularly inspected by track patrolling on foot and/or using hand-held type inspection instruments. With the purpose of reducing track patrol labor and maintenance costs, as well as to improve inspection quality, we have been developing a track monitoring system that is installed on a commercial car and monitors the track with greater frequency. This paper provides the outline for a track measurement device that uses the inertial mid-chord offset method and a track-material monitoring device, both of which have been developed to monitor the track, and presents the results of installing these devices on the multipurpose experimental train (called "MUETrain") on conventional lines. © 2010 WIT Press.