United States Department of Transportation
i
Real-Time Vertical Track Modulus Measurement System From a Moving Railcar: Research Results
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2006-07-01
[PDF-461.07 KB]
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Abstract:Track modulus is a measure of vertical roadbed stiffness and is an important parameter in track quality and performance. Modulus is defined by the ratio of rail deflection to the vertical contact pressure between rail base and track foundation. This project is to develop a system for on-board, real-time, noncontact measurement of track modulus. A major challenge in measuring track modulus from a moving rail car has been the lack of stable reference for the measurements. The proposed system is based on measurements of the relative displacement between the track and the wheel/rail contact point. A laser-based vision system was developed to measure this relative displacement and a mathematical model was used to estimate track modulus from the relative displacement. Analysis and dynamic simulations of a moving car were performed to evaluate the design and sensitivity of the proposed system and to demonstrate the effectiveness of the system. Results of preliminary field tests for a slow (<10 mph) moving railcar over various sections of track, including road crossings, rail joints, and bridges, showed excellent agreement with independent way-side measurements.
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