Abstract
In the transport infrastructures context, the support layers have a fundamental role in the degradation of the track condition, both in structural aspects and in terms of fouling of the materials that comprise them. Particularly in the field of railway research, ballast is the key element, and its fouling leads to track deterioration. Thus, the main focus of this work is based on the evaluation of the ballast fouling using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). In order to determine the applicability of the method on the evaluation of railway characteristics, laboratory samples and measurements carried out in situ, on sections of two railways in operation were analysed. In both cases the different ballast fouling levels were evaluated, using specialized software for this approach (temporal analysis); and then comparing these results with results of a frequency analysis in an automatic calculation program. This paper presents the possibilities of testing with GPR equipment by analysing an electromagnetic wave, in the temporal and frequency domain for the purpose of investigating the level of degradation of a railway track. Some recommendations are also made regarding the use of this method, adding the need for future developments in an attempt to reduce the number of destructive tests still practiced nowadays.
Highlights
The degradation of the railway track is a complex process that involves the influence of several factors that may condition its performance during the life cycle of the structure and the durability of the track itself
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is generally used for continuous assessment of railway infrastructure, mainly to assess the thickness of the ballast layer and changes in the structure [1,2,3,4,5]
The proposed methodology consists in establishing relationships between the results obtained by the classical time domain approach and the results obtained in the frequency domain; in order to obtain information to support maintenance intervention decisions at the level of the rail network
Summary
The degradation of the railway track is a complex process that involves the influence of several factors that may condition its performance during the life cycle of the structure and the durability of the track itself. In order to make the management of railway infrastructure more efficient, it is essential to locate, in an early and more expeditious way, areas that need intervention / rehabilitation actions. In this context, GPR has been identified as a tool with significant potential, having acquired great relevance in recent years. Recent studies highlighted the potential of the application of this tool in the detection of the condition of the material when analysed the signal variability in the frequency domain, the main focus of this work. The proposed methodology consists in establishing relationships between the results obtained by the classical time domain approach and the results obtained in the frequency domain; in order to obtain information to support maintenance intervention decisions at the level of the rail network
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