Developing a novel technique to extract track stiffness information from track geometry measurement

Wehbi, Mohamed (2016). Developing a novel technique to extract track stiffness information from track geometry measurement. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Railway tracks deteriorate over time due to the combined effects of train loads and environment. To carry out appropriate maintenance, it is necessary to measure the condition of the track. There are two broad categories of condition measures namely: function and structural measures of conditions.
Functional measures of condition assess the condition of the track from the point of view of the user. An example of a commonly used functional measure of condition is track geometry. In the UK, track geometry is measured by the track recording coach and it is carried frequently on the entire network. On the other hand, structural measures of condition assess the structural integrity of the track. Example of a commonly used structural measure of condition is track stiffness. In the UK, track stiffness is measured using the Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) and it is carried out less frequently on specific railway track sections as it is very slow, requires closure of the track and is expensive to operate.
The aim of this research is to investigate the feasibility of using track geometry measurement to extract track stiffness information and ultimately develop a prototype automated system to achieve this.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):