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D1.5 Image Analysis Component Catalogue
D1.5 Image Analysis Component Catalogue
D1.5 Image Analysis Component Catalogue
FP7 - 234299
PM n IDEA
Document status
Revision Date Description
0 31/5/2012 First issue
Project co-funded by the European Commission within the Seven Framework Programme
(2007-2013)
Dissemination Level
PU Public Y
PP Restricted to other programme participants (including the Commission Services)
RE Restricted to a group specified by the consortium (including the Commission Services)
CO Confidential, only for members of the consortium (including the Commission Services)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The partners in PM n IDEA include many measurement and sensor specialists with little
knowledge of the railway environment. This document has been written to give an overview of the
different components that can be found on tramways to allow the non-specialist to understand their
use. For each component a description, use and typical degradation mechanisms or maintenance
requirements are given along with images. The catalogue is not exhaustive but includes most of
the common features found on a typical tramway, other components and different designs are in
use on different tramways.
1. INTRODUCTION
One of the aims of PM n IDEA was to carry out image capture and analysis of the track system of
metro and tram networks to reduce the need for manual inspection and increase the subjectivity of
the data reported. The research work has being carried out by image capture and analysis
specialists who have only a limited knowledge of the railway environment and the features that
can be observed. Therefore this document is a collection of photographs of different track
components to aid identification and explain their use. It also provides information on the
degradation mechanism of each component and the maintenance required to be carried out. The
information contained is also useful to other sensor and measurement specialists not previously
involved in railways or tramway who are developing inspection and monitoring technologies for
track components.
The information contained in the document has been provided by Warsaw Tram and Stagecoach
Supertram networks, additional images have been taken from mainline railways where
appropriate. The document includes the most common features found on these tramways but it
should be borne in mind that other tramways will use different designs of components not included
in this document. When carrying out work on other tramways, knowledge and images of the actual
components in use should be gained.
Traction Bond
75mm
50mm
Traction Bond
Traction
Bond
420m
Use: Joining of two rails together while maintaining electric isolation of one rail from another
Description: Similar to fishplated joint but with insulating material between rail and fishplates and between rail ends. Can be
4 or 6 hole and most commonly, in the UK, with the gap between rail ends at 90 although 45 versions are available.
The only visible part of insulated joints in grooved rail is the gap between rail ends and the insulation between, not to be
confused with a broken rail. No electrical connection between rails.
Degradation Mechanisms/Maintenance Requirements:
Degradation of insulating material leading to electrical breakdown
Wear debris embedded in insulation can lead to short circuiting. A common problem for metros in tunnels.
Plastic deformation of rail ends can reduce insulation gap leading to short circuiting.
Weld
Original Original
Metal
Rail Rail
420mm
Use: Joining of two rails together allowing expansion of the rails in hot temperatures
Description: Joining of rails with two machine flanges alongside each other allowing movement caused by temperature
variation but maintaining an unbroken running surface.
Degradation Mechanisms/Maintenance Requirements:
Bolts are set to a fixed torque requiring checking to ensure they do not loosen
To allow expansion the plates require greasing, typically a yearly frequency.
Cracks can occur in machined rail ends
Plastic deformation, “batter”, of rail ends.
Electrical bonds can become detached or can be stolen
If incorrectly set up and/or in extreme weather condition then expansion can be excessive or insufficient.
200mm
420mm
Use: Joining of rails together allowing room for lateral movement of a structure.
Description: Rails laid on a steel bed so that they can move to accommodate the movement of the structure. Tie bars
hold the rails to gauge. Rails used are of an asymmetric type. Also incorporates standard rail expansion joints.
Degradation Mechanisms/Maintenance Requirements:
Bolts are set to a fixed torque requiring checking to ensure they do not loosen.
Tie bars may be subject to fatigue.
2.2.1 Pandrol e-clip with 1:40 (cast) base plate on timber sleeper
200mm
140mm
2.2.2 Pandrol e-clip with vertical (cast) base plate on timber sleeper
420mm
2.2.6 39E1 (BS80A) Rail with single Pandrol clip with U69 check rail on cast mountings
300mm
Description: Second rail fixed on inside of running rail. Requires a different form of rail fastening. Flange way increases at
ends. Can also be fitted in conjunction with expansion joints (lower right)
2.2.7 39E1 (BS80A) rail on baseplate with flange-planed 56E1 (BS113A) guard rail
420mm
2.2.8 39E1 (BS80A) running rail with flange-planed 39E1 (BS80A) guard rail on fabricated steel
baseplate
420mm
2.2.9 39E1 (BS80A) running rail with flange-planed 39E1 (BS80A) guard rail – Fishplated joint
420mm
2.2.10 Pandrol e-clip with (cast) base plate fixed by spring loaded bolt fastenings on concrete slab
190mm
190mm
2.2.11 39E1 (BS80A) rail with Pandrol e-clips on Stanton Bonna twin (bi) block concrete sleepers
300mm
Insulator
Pandrol
E-clip
Tie Bar
320mm
2.2.12 39E1 (BS80A) with Pandrol E clip on Tiflex resilient base plate on concrete slab or plinth
track
450mm
2.2.13 Pandrol E clip with Lord resilient base plate on concrete slab or plinth track
420mm
2.2.14 39E1 (BS80A) rail on Lord base plate with machined U69 guard rail on fabricated
mounting
Stock
Rail Switch
Blades Stock
Drive Rail
mechanism
Stretcher
Bar
Heel
Block
Check Rail
Crossing
(frog)
2.3.2 39E1 (BS80A) Switch blade on slide chair mountings – Ballasted Track
Stretcher
Bar Stock
Rail
Switch
Blade
Open
Closed
Switch
Slide Chair
Blade
Stock
Rail
300mm
420mm
420mm
Wing rail
Splice rail
Crossing rail
Wing rail
600mm
420mm
1435mm
Stretcher Bar
420mm
Drive and
Detection
mechanism
Anti trespass
Drive and
Detection
mechanism
Points motor
Use: Stretcher bar keeps switch blades to correct gauge. Drive mechanism moves switch blades allowing different routes to be
set. Detection Mechanism ensure points are in correct place to allow movement of trams over them.
Description: Bar or bracket connecting switch blades together with attachment for drive and detection mechanism from points
motor. Many different types of stretcher bar and mechanism available.
Degradation Mechanisms/Maintenance Requirements:
Bolts can loosen.
Bars can fatigue
Correct flange way needs to be maintained
Detection needs to be set so it fails if blades are incorrectly set
Ballast can block movement
Use: Cables attached to rail for traction current return and for signalling system
Description: Either drilled and bolted or CADWELD® studs to rail web
Degradation Mechanisms/Maintenance Requirements:
Cables can come loose and require refastening
Cables can be stolen
Use: Joining of two rails together while maintain electrical insulation between rails
Description: Joining of rails with an insulating material between them
Use: To provide a clear flange way on road crossing without the need for a small section of grooved rail with associated
transition rails.
Description: A second full section rail is fixed on the inside(4ft side) of the running rails. Flared at ends, usually by machining.
Degradation Mechanisms/Maintenance Requirements:
Grooves may be blocked with material
Wear of rails including check rail
Bulb Flat
Use: To provide a clear flange way on road crossing without the need for a small section of grooved rail with
associated transition rails.
Description: A bulb flat is fixed on the inside(4ft side) of the running rails. Flared at ends, usually by bending).
Degradation Mechanisms/Maintenance Requirements:
Grooves may be blocked with material
Wear of rails including bulb flat on curves
3.2.5 39E1 (BS80A) rail with adjacent flange-path ACO derailment channel
Use: To provide drainage on structures and channels to contain wheel in event of derailment
Description: Plastic drain cover over channel
Degradation Mechanisms/Maintenance Requirements:
Plastic cover can be smashed by vandalism
Drains can become blocked by leaves, soil etc and can require cleaning
420m
Use: Joining of two rails together allowing expansion of the rails in hot temperatures
Description: Joining of rails with two machine flanges alongside each other allowing movement caused
by temperature variation but maintaining an unbroken running surface.
Degradation Mechanisms/Maintenance Requirements:
Bolts are set to a fixed torque requiring checking to ensure they do not loosen
To allow expansion the plates require greasing, typically a yearly frequency.
Cracks can occur in machined rail ends
Plastic deformation, “batter”, of rail ends.
Electrical bonds can become detached or can be stolen
If incorrectly set up and/or in extreme weather condition then expansion can be excessive or
insufficient.
Use: Joining two rails together allowing expansion or contraction due to temperature change.
Description: Joining of rails with two machined faces allowing movement caused by temperature variation but
maintaining an unbroken running surface.
Drive
mechanism
Switch
Blades
Crossing
420mm
Description: A gap in the running rail to allow passing of wheel in different directions. Across nose depth of
flange way is shallow to allow flange running to occur.
Degradation mechanisms / Maintenance requirements:
Damage to crossing by plastic deformation and wear
Use: Keeps switch blades to correct gauge and provides mechanism for moving blades into correct position
Description: Bar or bracket connecting switch blades together sometimes with attachment to points motor or spring return.
Various types in use, shown above is a spring return type with equipment hidden under the roadway, access by manhole covers.
Sensors used to ensure that the blades are in correct position to allow signals to change, highlighted. Example shown is a spring
return box, powered points are also common.
420mm
420mm
420mm
4.1 WEAR
Vertical
Wear 45
Wear
Side
Wear
Description: Loss of rail head material both vertically and from gauge face.
Cause: Wear - Action of wheel removing metal from rail
Measurements Required
Wear measurements in relation to design profile
- Vertical wear, W1
- Side wear, W2 – measured at a certain depth, L, below the rail head
- 45 wear, W3
All the above require knowledge of the original rail profile
Keeper
Wear
Vertical
Wear
Side
Wear
Description: Loss of rail head material both vertically and from gauge face, additionally wear can occur of the keeper.
Cause: Wear - Action of wheel removing metal from rail
Measurements Required as a function of location:
Wear measurements in relation to design profile
- Vertical wear, W1
- Side wear, W2 – measured at a certain depth below the rail head
- Keeper or Keep wear
All the above require knowledge of the original rail profile
Wavelength
Description: longitudinal variation of the rail head profile often with a fixed wavelength
Cause: Periodic wear and plastic deformation of running surface
Measurements Required
Location
Amplitude – peak to trough
Wavelength
Angle
Crack Density
Position of
Initiation Surfac
Description: Cracks in running surface of rail in association with a depression that results in deviation in running band
Description: Gap between ends of rail or large pieces missing from rail
Cause: Loss of structural strength of rail.
Measurements Required
Location
Distance between rail ends
Not to be confused with a rail joint
Description: Uneven road surface around drain or lid missing from drain
Cause: Action of road traffic on drain
Measurements Required
Location
Severity e.g. missing, loose etc.
Description: Left: Contaminated Ballast “wet bed”; Right: Degradation of ballast due to voiding “white stone”
Cause: Incorrect maintenance of ballast, poor drainage etc.
Measurements Required
Location
Severity