Analysis of the Degree of Threat to Railway Infrastructure by Falling Tree Vegetation

Michal Kučera,Zdena Dobesova

doi:10.3390/ijgi10050292

Abstract

The article presents a method for determining and evaluating the threat to railway infrastructure from falling trees. The main objective was to identify the degree of threat according to three parameters: the height of tree stands, species composition, and vegetation health. Identification of the threat to individual railway sections would allow the creation of measures that could increase operational safety. Evaluation should be carried out at regular intervals to assess vegetation health during certain seasons. We, therefore, recommend the use of satellite images to provide a data source and regular data updates. The potential benefit is a reduction in railway infrastructure damage and an increase in traffic flow, especially during periods of exceptional weather conditions involving high wind, ice or heavy snow. The new method presented in the paper, based on data for railway infrastructure, law and other data sources in the Czech Republic, determines a Vegetation Threat Index for Railways (VTIR). We selected the Liberec Region as an example case study because of its large spread of wooded areas around railway lines and high incidence of railway traffic accidents.

Highlights

Contactless monitoring of railway infrastructure, which is at threat, is a barely studied topic in the Czech Republic and around the world
The present study applies satellite data to identify threats to railway lines caused by tree vegetation
We aimed to create a method for detecting the threat of falling adjacent tree vegetation on railway transport infrastructure

Summary

Introduction

Contactless monitoring of railway infrastructure, which is at threat, is a barely studied topic in the Czech Republic and around the world This fact is most likely due to low maintenance requirements of protection zones that have little high vegetation and low threat of falling trees. The Czech railways are atypical, mainly due to their historical development and a rather high network density They often pass through morphologically complicated areas where it is not possible to maintain a sufficient protection zone. The present study applies satellite data to identify threats to railway lines caused by tree vegetation From this information, it is possible to direct maintenance toward locations most under threat and help eliminate potential emergencies. It is not defined for railway sidings located in closed areas [2]

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