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D Rail

This project focused on identifying root causes of derailment of particular significance to freight vehicles.

Project leader

Professor Mark Robinson

Dates

October 2011 to September 2014

Project staff

Dr Steve Ingleton

Mr R Palacin

Dr FJ Franklin

Dr D Islam

Sponsors

Commission of the European Communities

Partners

UIC

RSSB

Vienna Technical University

NEA

Chalmers Tekniska Hoegskola

Politechnico di Milano

Manchester Metropolitan University

Lucchini RS

Mer Mec

Faiveley Transport Italia

Telsys, Oltis Group

Vyzkumny Ustav Zeleznicni

Deutsche Bahn

Harsco

Description

D-RAIL focused on freight traffic. Freight vehicles have a wide range of operating parameters. They have a larger range in loads, speeds and maintenance quality than passenger vehicles.

The project studied how independent minor faults could combine to cause a derailment. This could be anything from a slight track twist to a failed bearing.

D-RAIL included expected demands on the rail freight system forecast for 2050:

  • heavier axle loads
  • faster freight vehicle speeds for time-sensitive – low volume high value high speed services (LVHVHS)
  • goods
  • radical new vehicle designs
  • longer train consists

The project specified a set of alarm limits. Infrastructure managers selected these as appropriate depending on local conditions.

The project assessed current monitoring systems (both wayside and vehicle-mounted) and developing technologies. These assessments acknowledged their ability to identify developing faults and potential dangers.

For current systems found deficient, the project specified the requirements for future monitoring systems.

D-RAIL also examined vehicle identification technologies.

For example, the standards- and interoperability-focussed RFID system implemented by GS1 and Trafikverket.

The project examined integration of alarm limits, monitoring systems and vehicles across national borders and network boundaries. It set out a deployment plan based on RAMS and LCC analyses.

Procedures for applying speed limits to faulty vehicles, or taking them out of service, will be set out. This includes communication with the parties responsible for the transport of the freight and for maintenance of the vehicle. This provided input to standards, regulations and international contracts.

]For field testing and validation, D-RAIL had access to VUZ’s test track in the Czech Republic.

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Postgraduate Research
Postgraduate Taught