Evaluating Short-Wave Effects in Railway Track Using the Rail Surface Signal

Condition assessment and maintenance planning of railway infrastructure is a prerequisite for safe reliable train operation. As the loads are constantly increasing, condition track must also be further developed. Existing methods can describe well in many cases, but they will reach their limits with faster deterioration processes shorter time windows inspection maintenance, both associated higher loads. This development only countered an increased understanding system better component specific measures. Among others, short-wave effects need to considered. The aim this paper demonstrate possibility describing already existing data source. Insulated rail joints, welding switch components, corrugation different wavelengths squat detected, evaluated monitored by measuring based on optical distance meters. These assets wear phenomena form essential parts asset management, still not described sufficiently established methods. Although so-called surface measurement has been installed main Austrian car years, its full potential could exploited due insufficient positioning accuracy. method presented intends change that. allows holistic when activities.