Author(s)

H. Matsuda, M. Takikawa, T. Nanmoku & E. Yazawa

Abstract

In order to inspect the condition of tracks, which support railway cars, track irregularity is measured four times a year along conventional lines by track inspection cars, called \“East-i”. Track irregularity and the track materials that cannot be inspected with the track inspection car are regularly inspected by track patrolling on foot and/or using hand-held type inspection instruments. With the purpose of reducing track patrol labor and maintenance costs, as well as to improve inspection quality, we have been developing a track monitoring system that is installed on a commercial car and monitors the track with greater frequency. This paper provides the outline for a track measurement device that uses the inertial mid-chord offset method and a track-material monitoring device, both of which have been developed to monitor the track, and presents the results of installing these devices on the multipurpose experimental train (called \“MUETrain”) on conventional lines. Keywords: track monitoring system, inertial mid-chord offset method, trackmaterial monitoring device, multipurpose experimental train. 1 Introduction Tracks are composed of rails, sleepers, ballast, and other materials. Track irregularity advances and track material deteriorate as a result of repeated car load and severe environmental conditions. So, it is important to monitor, inspect and understand track irregularity and the degree and process of deterioration of track materials. In order to inspect track conditions, track irregularity is measured four times a year along conventional lines in East Japan Railway Company by track

Keywords

track monitoring system, inertial mid-chord offset method, trackmaterial monitoring device, multipurpose experimental train