A numerical model to predict train induced vibrations is presented. The dynamic computation considers mutual interactions in vehicle/track coupled systems by means of a finite and discrete elements method. The rail defects and the case of out-of-round wheels are considered. The dynamic interaction between the wheel-sets and the rail is accomplished by using the non-linear Hertzian model with hy...

Departing from the present situation, this paper attempts to highlight future prospects of high-speed railways. A panorama of high-speed lines worldwide is first given and the limits of a further increase of rail speeds are surveyed. It is explained that rail high speeds are feasible only for large population concentrations. The impact of high speeds on the reduction of travel times is studied....

The paper presents the development of an intelligent image processing algorithm capable of detecting fatigue defects from images of the rail surface. The links between the defect detection algorithm and 3D models for rail crack propagation are investigated, considering the influence of input parameters (materials, vehicle characteristics, loading conditions). The dynamic behaviour at the wheel-...

Railway infrastructure monitoring is a vital task to ensure rail transportation safety. A rail failure could result in not only a considerable impact on train delays and maintenance costs, but also on safety of passengers. In this article, the aim is to assess the risk of a rail failure by analyzing a type of rail surface defect called squats that are detected automatically among the huge numbe...

The development of new technologies has significantly influenced railways modernization and caused the appearance high-speed rail which represent a safe, comfortable ecologically sustainable way transportation. present big step in relation to conventional railways, where biggest difference is speed even entails change other organizational operational parameters, better utilization trains, highe...

the aim of this paper is to present an efficient method for a rail freight car fleet sizing problem. this problem is modeled mathematically as a multi-period, dynamic and multi-objective, in which the rail freight wagons are assumed to be heterogeneous. demands for different wagons and all travel times are assumed deterministic. in order to increase the utilization of the available wagons in th...

Broken rails are the most frequent cause of freight-train derailments in the United States. Consequently, reducing their occurrence is a high priority for the rail industry and the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration. Current practice is to periodically inspect rails to detect defects using nondestructive technology such as ultrasonic inspection. Determining the optimal rail inspection frequen...

The focus of our research is on rail transportation of intermodal containers. We address the problem of determining day-of-week schedules for both direct and indirect (via a hub) trains and allocating containers to these trains for the rail (linehaul) portion of the intermodal trip. The goal is to minimize operating costs, including a fixed charge for each train, variable transportation and han...

This paper details a range of work carried out by the authors within the general theme of advanced condition monitoring possibilities for rail vehicle bogies. Maintenance of rail vehicle bogies represents one of the largest areas of whole vehicle running costs and their efficient operation is of safety critical importance to the entire rail system. Currently the majority of maintenance is carri...

High-speed intercity passenger rail projects are very complex and require many years of planning and environmental activities before construction can begin. Given the complexity of planning and environmental reviews associated with high-speed intercity passenger rail corridor planning, a systematic approach for high-level screening of various alternative routings for proposed high-speed rail co...