Overview of the results:
WP1 analysed the cost-benefits for the technical innovations within the project, demonstrating the net financial benefit. The analysis also identified the non-monetised benefits such as reduced delays, improved safety and comfort. Incentives for the rail industry to implement innovation was also studied.
The innovations of WP2 aimed at improving existing track, these include:
- Optimal track technologies for different lines types
- Lean techniques for optimising the process when repairing or replacing existing switches & crossings.
- Tailoring track to avoid corrugation - a theoretical understanding of what causes short pitch corrugation and suggesting changes in the track
- Optimal lubrication strategies were developed based on location, line type and climate
- Low cost transition zone designs were modelled and evaluated
WP3 developed the following technologies for supporting the understanding of overhead line dynamics and refining system models
- On board current and voltage measurement system
- Overhead line accelerometers
- High speed video data gathering from pantograph and overhead line contact
Trolley wire systems were modelled to investigate the potential for a low cost overhead line system with simpler construction.
WP4 Monitoring and Smart Technology included the following innovations, which were demonstrated in Brasov and AFER in Romania, Slovenia and Turkey.
- Track acceleration monitoring system for plain line and S&C
- Axle box acceleration monitoring system for in service vehicles for identifying even minor track defects
- Dynamic axle box measurements in Slovenia for in service vehicle track monitoring
-Smartphone sensors application - used for infrastructure monitoring from within passenger vehicles
-Upgrading old Centralised Electro Mechanical interlocking systems to enable status to be wirelessly transmitted
- Tailored decision support through conversion of data to information
WP5 assessed the societal impact of railway innovations and created a methodology to be used beyond the scope of the NeTIRail-INFRA project. The expected impact of the innovations developed were assessed for case study lines in Romania, Slovenia and Turkey. This was mainly based on results of a passengers’ survey carried out in the three countries, with more than 1,000 questionnaires results.
Within WP6 a web based GIS decision support tool has been developed which allows the display of infrastructure data, as well as additional user data and the creation of custom formula to demonstrate the cost impacts and societal assessment of the NeTIRail-INFRA innovations.
Results dissemination and exploitation:
Dissemination activities have taken place through the project and include peer review journal papers, a mid-term and final conference, training workshops for WP4 and WP6, user group workshops and articles in the UIC e-news newsletter, on social media and within relevant railway journals, as well as at various regional workshops and at international conferences and events. Videos of demonstrations and presentations are available from the website and YouTube.
The project results received a high exploitation uptake, with the ABA system developed by TU Delft, will be further developed in collaboration with NS and ProRail. UIC will continue to develop and maintain the web based decision support tool and the models for corrugation developed by TU Delft will form the basis of further work.
