Periodic Reporting for period 3 - IN2TRACK2 (Research into enhanced track and switch and crossing system 2)
Période du rapport: 2021-01-01 au 2022-02-28
The IN2TRACK2 project addressed the topic of “Research into optimised and future railway infrastructure” of the 2018 HORIZON 2020 (H2020) SHIFT2RAIL Call for proposals for the Joint Undertaking (JU) Members (S2R-CFM-IP3-01-2018). The IN2TRACK2 proposal presents the objectives and impacts of five Technology Demonstrators (TDs) of the SHIFT2RAIL Innovation Programme (IP) 3.
Specifically, the project aimed at enhancing, optimising and developing Switch & Crossing (S&C) and track systems including drainage management, in order to ensure optimal line usage and increasing capacity. Furthermore the project was looking into way of extending the life of bridges and tunnels assets through better approaches for assessing, maintaining, repairing and upgrading these structures with the view of ways of reducing the costs related to these activities. This was done by researching the ways of reducing the environmental impact and the life cycle cost of bridges by using better models for analysis and by using dampers on exiting bridges.
The work was divided to address specific TDs requirements and their objectives to reach Technology Level Readiness (TRLs) and was the second phase of the work which fed the results into the final project of this Innovation Programme – In2Track3 and specifically, the following TDs: TD 3.1 – Enhanced Switches & Crossing Systems, TD 3.2 – Next Generation Switches & Crossing Systems, TD 3.3 – Enhanced Track, TD 3.4 – Next Generation Track and TD 3.5 – Bridges and Tunnels.
Specifically, the project aimed at enhancing, optimising and developing Switch & Crossing (S&C) and track systems including drainage management, in order to ensure optimal line usage and increasing capacity. Furthermore the project was looking into way of extending the life of bridges and tunnels assets through better approaches for assessing, maintaining, repairing and upgrading these structures with the view of ways of reducing the costs related to these activities. This was done by researching the ways of reducing the environmental impact and the life cycle cost of bridges by using better models for analysis and by using dampers on exiting bridges.
The work was divided to address specific TDs requirements and their objectives to reach Technology Level Readiness (TRLs) and was the second phase of the work which fed the results into the final project of this Innovation Programme – In2Track3 and specifically, the following TDs: TD 3.1 – Enhanced Switches & Crossing Systems, TD 3.2 – Next Generation Switches & Crossing Systems, TD 3.3 – Enhanced Track, TD 3.4 – Next Generation Track and TD 3.5 – Bridges and Tunnels.
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(s’ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre)
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.
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(s’ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre)
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.
The next phase of the project will be In2Track3, which is to trial these demonstrators and provide reports based on results both virtual and physical for use across Europe. The impacts of this research will centre around the following:
Safety - Various research is looking into automation methods to undertake maintenance of S&C, Track and Bridges & Tunnels. This will reduce the need for engineers to be present on the track and structures therefore reducing the potential incidents on the railway. Sensing systems are being developed in each discipline area which are expected to transfer to In2Track3 to be further developed and installed as part of various demonstrators in a live infrastructure environment. These systems will reduce the need for staff to visit the track and will provide data that will further assist in the transition from reactive to predict and prevent maintenance regimes.
Cost- This research will help in reducing the cost of maintenance as it is looking on various ways on how to improve maintenance and increase the longevity of various assets. The various workstreams are progressing to improve the LCC of S&C for example through the installation of demonstrators with various incremental component developments, the performance of which are being monitored and assessed through the use of innovative sensing systems.
Efficiency - Better maintenance methods will reduce timings of repairs and allow more defects to be resolved in a given time. Improvements in the design and installation of remote monitoring and sensing systems in all WP’s in each TD are permitting the assessment of the performance of track assets without the need for multiple track visits. This is demonstrating the efficiencies that these systems can offer to the maintenance of track and bridges & tunnels.
Automated systems such as the DDR rail defect repair system is proving the efficiency and improved quality an automated solution can provide for track. This is also evident from the tunnel repair system that is being developed and tested in tunnel lining replacement technology.
Safety - Various research is looking into automation methods to undertake maintenance of S&C, Track and Bridges & Tunnels. This will reduce the need for engineers to be present on the track and structures therefore reducing the potential incidents on the railway. Sensing systems are being developed in each discipline area which are expected to transfer to In2Track3 to be further developed and installed as part of various demonstrators in a live infrastructure environment. These systems will reduce the need for staff to visit the track and will provide data that will further assist in the transition from reactive to predict and prevent maintenance regimes.
Cost- This research will help in reducing the cost of maintenance as it is looking on various ways on how to improve maintenance and increase the longevity of various assets. The various workstreams are progressing to improve the LCC of S&C for example through the installation of demonstrators with various incremental component developments, the performance of which are being monitored and assessed through the use of innovative sensing systems.
Efficiency - Better maintenance methods will reduce timings of repairs and allow more defects to be resolved in a given time. Improvements in the design and installation of remote monitoring and sensing systems in all WP’s in each TD are permitting the assessment of the performance of track assets without the need for multiple track visits. This is demonstrating the efficiencies that these systems can offer to the maintenance of track and bridges & tunnels.
Automated systems such as the DDR rail defect repair system is proving the efficiency and improved quality an automated solution can provide for track. This is also evident from the tunnel repair system that is being developed and tested in tunnel lining replacement technology.