Application of Doppler LIDAR sensors for assessing track gauge widening in curves and locations with high-lateral forces

The application of Doppler-based, Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology for determining track lateral irregularities, specifically track alignment and gage variation, are investigated. The proposed method uses track measurements by two low-elevation, slightly tilted LIDAR sensors nominally pointed at the rail gage face on each track. The LIDAR lenses are installed with a slight forward angle to measure track speed in both longitudinal and lateral directions. The lateral speed measurements are processed for assessing the track gage and alignment variations, using a method that is based on the frequency bandwidth dissimilarities between the vehicle speed and track geometry irregularity. Lateral track geometry is described by track alignment and gage. Track alignment is defined in term of variation in the lateral positions of the left and right rails from a mean trajectory over a specific length of the track. Alignment can be measured manually using chord based approaches, where the lateral offset of the rail from the center of a string stretched between two ends touching the rail side is obtained at multiple locations. In addition, gage is defined as the distance between the two rails measured 5/8 inches from the top of each rail. Gage can be measured manually using a gage measuring stick. Excessive track gage variations lead to large lateral wheel and axle forces, which could lead to a derailment, excessive body acceleration, and damage to the track structure.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $75000
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3551747132

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg

  Virginia Tech Transportation Institute
  3500 Transportation Research Plaza
  Blacksburg, VA  United States  24061
• Project Managers:

  Ahmadian, Mehdi

• Performing Organizations:

  Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg

  Virginia Tech Transportation Institute
  3500 Transportation Research Plaza
  Blacksburg, VA  United States  24061
• Principal Investigators:

  Holton, Carvel

  Ahmedian, Mehdi

• Start Date: 20190901
• Expected Completion Date: 20230930
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alignment; Curves (Geometry); Doppler radar; Gage (Rails); Laser radar; Maintenance of way; Railroad tracks; Sensors
• Subject Areas: Maintenance and Preservation; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01704512
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: University Transportation Center on Improving Rail Transportation Infrastructure Sustainability and Durability
• Contract Numbers: 69A3551747132
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: May 8 2019 1:19PM