Use of Zero-crossings Segmentation for Track Quality Assessment

Abstract

This study concerns track quality assessment of standard-gauge railways in the context of the Hungarian railway system. Data gathered by multipurpose track recording vehicles matched the EN 13,848 requirements. Track Quality Index (TQI) measurement systems (The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Netherlands’, and the Chinese TQI) are considered where three types of predetermined segment techniques: separate, moving, and Zero-crossings segmentation are employed. The importance of track segmentation in quality assessment, which affects maintenance planning, is shown by key findings. For heterogeneous data, the TQIs might be deceptive, highlighting the need for alternatives. The robustness of the Zero-crossings method makes it possible to analyze deterioration factors in great detail and in some efficient way. Longer analytical segments and smoothing of the data improved precision. Based on empirical data, we advise considering a Zero-crossings strategy for precise and efficient track-quality evaluations. With the help of this study, track quality can be better evaluated for train systems.