Abstract
This paper proposes a new method for train speed estimation from track structure vibration measurements for field track structural health monitoring. This method employed image treatment techniques, wavelet transform, and short-time Fourier transform into the signal processing. Afterward, the train speed was estimated by the combination of the extracted features and the geometrical parameters of the passing trains. A total of 240 measurements, gotten from 20 trains measured by 12 sensors, were implemented to verify the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed method. The results showed that the average differences of the train speed calculating by phase differences and the proposed method were 0.61% for slab displacement measurements, 1.39% for rail acceleration measurements, and 2.97% for slab acceleration measurements, respectively. Furthermore, the proposed method was proved to be effective in different test locations and track structure state. Therefore, it is concluded that the proposed method can estimate train speed from the vibration measurements automatically, reliably, and in real time with no need for additional speed measurement modules, which meets the requirement of speed estimation in the short-term, multi-location, and tough environment of structural health monitoring.
Highlights
One of the most significant current discussions in the rail industry is structural health monitoring.To ensure the safety, applicability, and durability of high-speed rails, researches have tried to evaluate the running status of rail structures through the theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and experimental measurement
This paper uses the dynamic tests of China Railway High-speed (CRH) track as an example to verify the validity of the proposed train speed estimation algorithms
This paper proposed a train speed estimation method by extracting the characteristics of the vibration measurements of rail acceleration, slab acceleration, and slab displacement
Summary
One of the most significant current discussions in the rail industry is structural health monitoring. The vibration and the noise of the rail structure intensify with the increase of railway vehicle speed [1,2,3,4,5,6]. The train speed, is an indispensable, important parameter to monitor and evaluate the track structure health. There are two types of train speed acquisitions applied in the field of railway monitoring: on-board measurement and ground measurement. The train speed obtained on-board is difficult to couple with structural health and environmental noise monitoring in field tests conducted on the ground. Many ground train speed estimation methods have been proposed such as wheel counters, optical sensors, and laser radars. Some other researchers proposed to estimate train speed from ground vibration. The ground vibration frequency spectra were highly dependent on the train speed and carriages dimensions [13,14]. Train speed could be calculated using the relationship between the train speed and the main frequency of vibration; this method has been proved to be robust [15,16]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
