The broadband seismic equipment application in problems of roadbed railway smart monitoring

Abstract

We present our experience of broadband seismic equipment application to detect changes of roadbed railway state in operation.
 Aim: to obtain experimental validation to expand the scientific basis of geophysical surveys in roadbed railway state monitoring and identifying hazardous processes at an early stage.
 Methods: seismic records were obtained by the authors on the Northern railway section. Seismic data were processed using a low-frequency filter of 0.5 Hz and analysis of points movement trajectories of the roadbed railway, we performed numerical modelling of the stress-strain state of the soil when specifying various physical parameters, the results were compared with the experiment.
 Results: We have shown experimentally and by numerical simulation that by conducting near the railway track vibrations registration formed by passing trains and analyzing the amplitudes change of these vibrations in the low-frequency band (periods of about 100 seconds), it is possible to identify potentially dangerous phenomena in the roadbed. Field observations showed changes in amplitude of oscillations during seasonal flooding; the results are consistent with modeling. The possibility of identifying the stages of freezing-thawing of the soil and associated negative processes is considered. By discussing the parameters of modern seismic equipment, the possibilities and applicability of different types of seismic sensors for roadbed railway monitoring as well as the organization of a smart monitoring system are shown.
 Conclusion: The possibility of using passing trains vibrations to detect changes of the roadbed railway state by analyzing the amplitudes of these vibrations is proved. Recommendations for seismic sensors choice and organization of smart roadbed state monitoring system are presented.