TD3.1 – The TD’s main objective was to improve the operational performance of existing switch and crossing designs. This was done through the delivery of various new and enhanced S&C sub systems with improved RAMS, LCC, sensing and monitoring capabilities, self-adjustment, Noise and Vibration performance characteristics and where applicable a modular approach. The work included producing a prototype switch rail profile handheld laser device for assessing the derailment risk a switch poses. Finally, work to develop a portable solution to measure wheel impact forces on crossings has progressed to a completed system prototype design in preparation for installing in track to assess its capabilities as part of the In2Track3 project. This work has reached TRL6 and results will be monitored and assessed in the In2Trcak3 project, as planned.
TD3.2 - The TD has worked on the development of the designs and build of components and sub system prototypes enabling the evaluation of radical concepts of S&C systems. This has been done through collaboration with the S-Code open call project. The handover of concept evaluations to this TD is the In2Track3 project. The Repoint system has been selected as the next generation concept to develop in this TD, due to it being further developed than any other concept and constraints with both available budget and time available.
TD3.3 - The TD has worked on the development of the track structure to reduce the maintenance requirements through improved design and performance of the track system. Parameters and measurements have been defined for known failure modes and the method of assessment of an optimised track system. The requirements for this have been evaluated in terms of RAMS and LCC for an optimised track design. Further work has been completed assessing the noise and vibration (N&V)from the wheel/rail interface including investigation of the impact of rail roughness in terms of N&V. Work to understand the optimisation of ballast recycling have been progressed during this phase and a plan of the potential for the use of recycled ballast and cost effectiveness of this initiative have been developed. An investigation into the use of composite sleepers to replace wood sleepers has been progressed and will be further demonstrated in the In2Track3 project.
TD3.4 - This TD has developed the CSM-RA for the next generation track to inform the design and development requirements for the next generation track system. Work has progressed through simulation to analyse the requirements for the next generation slab track design. Installation of the sensors to assess the deterioration of a new section of track have been successfully installed on a track renewal site. Finally, this TD also worked on the Discrete Defect Repair machine development. This has now reached TRL5 having been successfully demonstrated in a factory environment. This work will be progressed further to TRL6 in the In2Track3 project.
TD3.5 - The work was focused within the initiatives to provide new tools for monitoring and extending the life of structures. This includes the development and testing of a tunnel lining repair system and the implementation of a bridge strengthening initiative to enhance the strength of critical steel bridge components and the monitoring system design for the installation.
The results have been presented to the targeted audiences during the final dissemination conference which was held on the 7th December in virtual teams setting due to COVID restrictions. The recording of the event can be seen here:
https://network-rail.wistia.com/medias/i51zgncnis(opens in new window)Finally, the project also produced a leaflet/brochure which updating the final position of the project and results, which can be downloaded from the project website.
