Overview of the results:
• A methodology was developed for continuous and real-time inspections of critical track infrastructure, including switches and crossings, using sensor technologies.
• Novel remote monitoring techniques were developed and tested to assess slope stability along railway networks, including the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones.
• A monitoring system was implemented at the Boyne Viaduct in Drogheda, Ireland, which comprised four rosette strain gauges, three triaxial accelerometers and a weather station.
• A framework for the Decision Support Tool (DST) has been developed.
• Laboratory triaxial testing and finite element analyses has been conducted for selected demonstration sites.
• The network whole lifecycle cost model has been demonstrated and tested.
• New algorithms have been developed to calculate that indirect costs associated with asset maintenance.
• The cost of transport delays and carbon emissions has been developed for the case study network.
• Whole lifecycle cost profiles have been developed for infrastructure assets along the case study network.
Exploitation activities involved the organisation of six exploitation committee meetings which have discussed:
• the identification of possible IPR opportunities.
• the discussion of companies which have expressed an interested in the project and to which information has been sent.
Significant dissemination activities were undertaken as part of this project. This involved numerous presentations at conferences, industry events, as well as scientific and technical publications (approximately 70 dissemination items in total). Presentations were given at 7 conferences during period 2 of the project, including Stockholm, Amsterdam, Bucharest, Prague, Brno, Arad and Alba Lulia. The conferences included representatives from all the target groups defined in the dissemination strategy, i.e. infrastructure managers, suppliers, SMEs, academics, engineers, politicians, journalists, funders and policy decision makers.
