Thermal imaging analysis of ballast fouling: Investigating the effects of parent rock and fouling materials through IRT passive camera

Abstract

This study explores the use of infrared thermography (IRT) technology for the non-destructive evaluation of ballast fouling in railway tracks, focusing on the influence of parent rock types and fouling materials. Utilizing thermal imaging, the research investigates how variations in ballast conditions affect surface temperature, which serves as an indicator of structural integrity and health. The experimental setup involved ballast samples derived from three different rock types—basalt, limestone, and andesite—fouled with commonly encountered materials like sand and clay at varying percentages. Results demonstrate that fouling level and type significantly influence the thermal signatures captured by IRT passive camera. Notably, ballast derived from darker rocks exhibited higher temperatures, indicating greater emissivity, while fouled ballast showed distinct temperature patterns compared to clean samples, emphasizing the potential of thermal imaging in detecting and quantifying fouling in ballast layers. This research underscores the viability of IRT passive camera in the routine maintenance and monitoring of railway infrastructure, providing a foundation for further development of integrated diagnostic tools for railway management systems.