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Track Rail Switch Signal Overhead Line Consultancy

We inspect:

Over 50,000 kilometres of trackeach year

Track

EDITION

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To be able to ensure rail traffic safety, it is absolutely necessary to know the detailed condi-tion of the railway infrastructure. The substructure, track bed, turnouts, rails and catenary form an entire complex, whose individual components interact with each other.

The regular inspection and analysis of these components is a prerequisite for a condition-based, preventive maintenance regime, which in turn is a precondition for the sustained re-duction of the life cycle costs of the railway infrastructure components.

Today, EURAILSCOUT Inspection & Analysis is the largest independent inspection organisa-tion for the components of the railway infrastructure. EURAILSCOUT has its headquarters in Amersfoort in the Netherlands and a branch office in Berlin /Germany and in Paris /France and in Bologna /Italy. From these locations, we provide infrastructure monitoring services to cli-ents throughout Europe.

We work in partnership with infrastructure companies and maintenance providers to develop and implement new concepts in monitoring and maintenance practices to ensure safety and to optimise the performance of the railway infrastructure.

In doing so, the latest measurement systems, modern test and measurement cars, fully de-veloped processes, and an exemplary quality management system are the basis for a team of more than one hundred highly motivated, qualified employees who will be pleased to as-sist you with innovation and enthusiasm in finding solutions to your problems.

Erland TegelbergCEO

Jacques Le FlemCTO

Esther LasesCFO

We help you to keep your track in shape with reliable, high precision track data Lower life cycle costs with our ‘deterioration over time’ analysis

EURAILSCOUT – Your Reliable Partner for Monitoring the Condition of the Railway Infrastructure

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Content

1. Track Safety Page 4

1.1 Track Geometry

1.2 Video

2. Rail Corrugation Page 82.1 Track Gauge Measurement

3. Further Services Page 10

3.1 Recording of the present condition / proof assurance / inspection

3.2 Driver Training

3.3 Maintenance Planning

4. Data Processing / Management and Analysis Page 12

5. Operational Excellence Page 13

6. Measurement Units Page 14

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Fig.: Twelve measurement runs - one result: representation of the repeat precision from Left Top 3-35 m

1.1 Track Geometry

With respect to track geometry parameters, the requirements are defined in the European Standard EN13848. However due to na-tional specifics and for historic reasons every client has different needs regarding additional parameters and their definition.

For track geometry recording EURAILSCOUT combines a non con-tact laser based optical gauge and an inertial measurement sys-tem. The location information is gathered by a distance measure-ment calculation based on the same inertial system together with odometers and satellite based D-GPS data.

Standard geometry parameters recorded are:• Track gauge • Vertical profiles (top) • Horizontal profiles (alignment) • Superelevation (cant) • Twist with different base lengths (calculated from the cant signal)• Inclination• Equivalent conicity• Cross section profile

More particular parameters such as cyclic top, cant deficiency (de-pending on speed) and dip angle can be part of the product as well. In fact any parameter based on the principal signals can be created.

1. Track Safety

To ensure a safe environment for railway operation, track geomet-ry measurements as well as video data are essential; the monito-ring of these should be carried out without disturbance to normal railway operation.

For the track environment EURAILSCOUT can provide high precis-ion track geometry data and high quality video images. All data is recorded on vehicles that can operate at speeds up to 160km/h thus avoiding any disturbance to other railway operations. The lo-gistics of measuring a defined part of any infrastructure network without missing any sections and without disturbing normal opera-tion is an issue, which should not be underestimated.

Track Fact Sheet Eurailscout

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Fig.: Screenshot of E-Capture – Fault Reporting Tool

Both inertial and chord parameters can be provided by the system. It is therefore possible to measure all track geometry parameters according to a national or customer specified standard and accor-ding to the new European standard EN 13848 on one single run. Wave length bandwidths and threshold levels can be configured independently or according to specified standards. The system is very flexible and can meet any customer or country specific requi-rements.

In the left diagram is an example of the repeat precision of the track geometry system:

In this diagram, twelve runs at different speeds, six in forward and six in reverse vehicle orientation are overlaid. The twelve individual graphs can hardly be distinguished due to the system repeatability being so tight.

The statistical analysis in the table below the graph underlines the ac-curacy: In average every run does not deviate more than 0.11mm from the mean of all runs. 95% of all measurement values in this section of 250 yards (220 m) deviate less than 0.27mm from the mean. At running speeds from 20 up to 80mph (35 - 120kph) this is excep-tional performance.

For certain safety critical parameters customers define the lead time for fault reporting to be instantaneous.

Since the data is gathered and controlled in real-time additional software can run simultaneously to capture all values which ex-ceed defined threshold levels (see screenshot).

These faults are given a unique code and a report can be handed out at the end of the run or sent by email.

TrackFact Sheet Eurailscout

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1.2 Video An additional means to ensure track safety is the recording of vi-deo data. With respect to the driver’s perspective signals and track must stay clear from vegetation; whilst downward facing images can be utilised for automated defect recognition and any other sa-fety hazards.

With our visual orientated perception and understanding as hu-man beings, video data in general helps to understand results, which are mostly numbers and graphs, recorded from other mea-surement systems.

EURAILSCOUT records high quality digital video data by cameras taking picture frames or line scans from different perspectives.

From the train driver’s perspective “panoramic” colour pictures are taken at a fixed spacing between 1.5 and 3.0 m depending on the requirements. The picture above shows an example.

The catenary video system also shows mast suspensions. To main-tain a high resolution, a higher trigger frequency and reasonable data size, the images of this view are black and white. This is sufficient for these types of objects; any objects requiring colour can still be examined in the driver’s view.

Fig.: Example of Driver’s View Video Fig.: Example of Overhead Line Video

Track Fact Sheet Eurailscout

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The downward facing image is a continuous strip, which is taken by line scan cameras. Dependant on the customer’s requirements it can show the entire track or merely the rails including the adja-cent areas. This image provides a high resolution view from the top of the rails (see images above). With the help of error-detection software, missing fastening devices, defects in the rail joints, centrifuge spots and ball indentations can be detected.

Fig.: Example of down facing Video Fig.: Example of down facing Video

TrackFact Sheet Eurailscout

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Track Fact Sheet Eurailscout

2. Rail Corrugation

The non-contact laser-based system for identification of rail corru-gation (short wave rail head faults) measured every 5 mm to iden-tify all kinds of corrugation between 10 mm and 1 metre on each rail. Up to four wavelength bandwidths can be configured to assess different kinds of corrugation in one single run.

The system shows an incredible accuracy of 0.02 mm at all recor-ding speeds.

The results provide you with information as to when and where the track heads must be ground for a reduction of track wear and the resonance/vibration noise. This measurement is connected with other measurement systems by means of a localisation index. The-se data can be compared with historical data; thus development of the fluting can be observed and a grinding plan can already be made in advance.

Run # Fwd 1 Fwd 2 Fwd 3 Fwd 4 Rev 1 Rev 2 Rev 3 Rev 4 Rev 5 Mean

% invalid N / A N / A 17.50% N / A

2 * 0.76 1.16 0.74 1.44 N / A N / A 0.92 0.58 0.76 0.90 1.27 N / A 1.02 mm

< 4.0 mm 100% 100% 100% 100% N / A N / A 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% N / A 100.0%

Aver. diff 0.26 0.36 0.26 0.44 N / A N / A 0.32 0.19 0.26 0.34 0.37 N / A 0.33 mm

(km 26.750 - 27.0)

Corrugation 2 right UFM 120 Reproducibility

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26'750 26'775 26'800 26'825 26'850 26'875 26'900 26'925 26'950 26'975Location in m

mm

Fwd 1 Fwd 2 Fwd 3 Fwd 4

Rev 1 Rev 2 Rev 3 Rev 4 Rev 5

Fig.: Results of the corrugation system: All nine runs deliver almost the same results.

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TrackFact Sheet Eurailscout

2.1 Track Gauge Measurement

The track gauge is measured using several lasers. With this infor-mation it is possible to take into account instances of gauge nar-rowing or overlapping material due to very high axle loads, during the preparation of the grinding plan.

Fig.: Track corrugation measurement

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3.1 Recording of the present condition/ proof assurance/inspection

Prior to and after a more extensive maintenance action such as bal-last cleaning, foundation replacement or track renewal, both con-tractual parties are interested in evidence of the present situation and require knowing whether or not the agreed results have been achieved.

Alongside the above-named track and video data, data must also often be collected concerning the structure of the track foundati-on. For these purposes, EURAILSCOUT applies the geo-wheel pro-cedure shown in the illustrations.

This measurement system is able to • Examine the depth of the ballast and to detect inhomogeni-

ties• Differentiate between clean and dirty ballast• Examine the distribution of humidity and identify wet beds• Identify pipes and cables • Map foundation layers down to 3-4m depth.

This information is gathered across the entire track bed and filters effectively eliminate any inconstancies. Thus next to the track geometry and video data recorded on the vi-sible side, the GPR system allows the control of the invisible, whe-re comparison of the before and after maintenance situations is essential.

3. Further Services

Fig.: Ground Penetrating Radar Fig.: Ground Penetrating Radar

Track Fact Sheet Eurailscout

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3.2 Driver Training

By means of the driver’s view images a video stream in AVI format can be created to be replayed by EURAILSCOUT’s media player. These videos are very useful for driver training and route learning.

3.3 Maintenance Planning

Our customers aim is to plan maintenance cycles in advance, be-fore track geometry exceedences require emergency action. Anti-cipated maintenance is the principal element to reduce infrastruc-ture life cycle costs. Since the deterioration of one parameter often has an effect on others, the track geometry, video and ground information data’s location should be synchronised and collated in one database, ide-ally together with other measurement data from e.g. Overhead Line and Rail. Combining these data sources into one information package ena-bles engineers to generate the most cost effective maintenance programs.

This combined data analysis approach provides a better indication of whether a track geometry issue can be cured by tamping only, or whether ballast cleaning or even foundation improvement work is required. If for example the track geometry quality degrades often or too quickly the cause could either be unstable subsoil (determi-ned by Ground Penetrating Radar) or vibrations created by corru-gation (see Fact Sheet Rail). In this case foundation improvement or rail grinding would be the favourable maintenance action and not tamping.

EURAILSCOUT works with highly flexible and user friendly data analysis and presentation tools (see section below). Different types of data, even recorded by different trains, can be analysed together gaining a comprehensive picture of the status of the railway infra-structure. Because all data is available in full detail it is possible to show an overview only (e.g. based on standard deviation of para-meters over sections of track) or to zoom into details down to less than one metre (yard).

Fig.: Video image from the perspective of the locomotive driver

TrackFact Sheet Eurailscout

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4. Data Processing / Management and Analysis

Although EURAILSCOUT generally advises against real-time analy-sis of recording results, some customers for historic reasons still require onboard real-time print outs from our measurement trains. These can be examined during and handed out after a measure-ment run. As an additional feature the data can be delivered in ASCII format through the EURAILSCOUT data-processing centre after being vali-dated and quality checked.

Most customers want to define the setup, scale and layout of re-cording parameters individually.With special software these data requirements can be easily dis-played, runs can be overlaid against historic data; parameters from one or more measurement systems can be displayed next to each other and indexed so that the data is always aligned to exact-ly the same track location.

For our video data a stand alone software package is available which allows the user to walk through the track looking at synchro-nised pictures of the same location, indicated by a red line in the driver’s view (see picture below). In this tool the user can easily scroll through, zoom in or jump di-rectly to any required location. The user can click through the fea-tures (switches, missing fasteners, dents etc) by means of the ar-row keys, sort them by type, mark them, extract them etc.

Track

Fig.: Software video dataFig.: IRISSYS Software: all kinds of data can be displayed but always alig-ned in location

Fact Sheet Eurailscout

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Track

5. Operational Excellence

As an infrastructure measuring business EURAILSCOUT has deve-loped processes to provide several integrated services based on our products. These comprise of the production of digital maps, ti-mings, planning of trains and operation, data processing and data delivery.

EURAILSCOUT has developed in-house software which enables the automation of operational processes such as:• Establishing of contracts• Scheduling of trains• Routing• Report Generation Thereby the often underestimated logistic processes have become an effortless daily routine. We can show our customers the four sta-ges we are required to undertake.1. What we planned to achieve.2. What we actually achieved. 3. Deliver validated results 4. Report which sections could not be recorded and why.

Planning of runs according to the contract. The same tool is used to visualize the runs again carried out by Eurailscout.

Fact Sheet Eurailscout

Planning of runs according to the contract. The same tool is used to visualize the runs carried out by Eurailscout

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6. Measurement Units

Fig.: UFM120 Fig.: UFM160

UFM120

Year of Construction 1998Railway Gauge 1 435 mmLength (buffer to buffer) 23.00 mTrain Width 3 100 mmHeight above Rail Head 4 500 mmWheel Base 2 500 mmWheel Diametre 920 mmMinimal Curve Radius 90 mTotal Weight approx. 70 tAxle Weight approx. 17.5 tLoading Gauge Profile UIC G2Max Speed, self propelled or in train 120 km/hSafety Breaks and Train Control Systems ATB, PZB, Sifa (NL, D, AT, CH, NOR)Train Radio GSM-R (Europe), Mesa 2000 (D, A, CH), Telerail (NL)

UFM160

2002 1 435 mm 47.70 m 2 450 mm 3 970 mm 2 500 mm 920 mm 90 m approx. 2x 68 t approx. 17.0 t UIC G2 (EU) W6a (GB) 160 km/h ATB, PZB, Sifa, Indusi (NL, D, AT, CH, NOR) GSM-R (Europe), Mesa 2002 (D, A, CH), Telerail (NL)

Track Fact Sheet Eurailscout

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Fig.:UFM07

UFM07

Year of Construction 2007Railway Gauge 1 435 mmLength (buffer to buffer) 18.7 mTrain Width 3 000 mmHeight above Rail Head 3 530 mmWheel Base 2 600 mmWheel Diameter 920 mmMinimal Curve Radius 100 mTotal Weight approx. 58 tAxle Weight approx. tLoading Gauge Profile UIC G2Max Speed, self propelled or in train 120 km/hSafety Breaks and Train Control Systems ATB, PZB, Sifa (NL, D, AT, CH, NOR)Train Radio GSM-R (Europe), Mesa 2000 (D, A, CH), Telerail (NL)

TrackFact Sheet Eurailscout

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TRACK YOUR TRACK

Your Partner for Measurement, Testing and Consultation in the Areas of Rails, Tracks, Switches, Overhead Lines and Signals

Eurailscout France SASOffice in Paris20/22 rue des Petits Hôtels75010 ParisFranceTel. +33 (0)1 83 81 44 10info.france@eurailscout.com

Eurailscout Inspection & AnalysisBranch office BerlinTorellstraße 1, 10243 BerlinGermanyTelephone +49 (0)30 29380850Telefax +49 (0)30 29380851info@eurailscout.com

Eurailscout Inspection & AnalysisPostbus 349, 3800 AH AmersfoortBerkenweg 11, 3818 LA AmersfoortThe NetherlandsTelephone +31 (0)33 4697000Telefax +31 (0)33 4697050info@eurailscout.com

Eurailscout I&A ItalyOffice in BolognaPiazza Dé Calderini, 140124 Bologna ItalyTel. +39 (0)510420261info@eurailscout.com

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