Rail Infrastructure Research Articles

Impact of metro vibrations on people: critical aspects of designing vibration mitigation interventions

A methodology for assessing and mitigating the impact of metro infrastructure generated vibration and ground-borne noise on people is described. This methodology combines techniques for analyzing vibration measurements and predictive modeling to identify effective mitigation interventions. These interventions require working on existing railway track systems and involve interruption of service, unlike noise mitigation interventions that can be implemented without interfering with rail and road infrastructure. For this reason, it is important to identify the most effective mitigation techniques to minimize the impact on the population and simplify on-site implementation. The methodology was applied in Milan metro lines where the vibration level was estimated, and a vibration mitigation system was designed. The vibration phenomenon was quantified through accelerometric measurements taken in several buildings affected by the disturbance from vibration. The measured vibration levels were compared with reference level established by standards. The maximum difference obtained from this comparison was used as input data for the design of the mitigation intervention. The vibration mitigation interventions involve increasing the total mass and elasticity of the existing system. Their effectiveness was verified through numerical calculation using parametric software confirming the required amount of mitigation.

Optical Measurement System for Monitoring Railway Infrastructure—A Review

Rail infrastructure plays an important role in fulfilling the demand for freight and passenger transportation. Increases in traffic volume, heavier axles and vehicles, higher speeds, and increasing climate extremes all contribute to the constant strain on the infrastructure. Due to their major importance in the transportation of people and freight, they are subject to continuous condition monitoring. This is an essential requirement for the selective planning of maintenance tasks and ultimately for safe and reliable operation. Various measuring systems have been developed for this purpose. These must measure precisely, quickly, and robustly under difficult conditions. Whether installed from mobile or stationary platforms, they have to cope with a wide range of ambient temperatures and lighting conditions, harsh environmental influences, and varying degrees of reflection. Despite these circumstances, railway operators require precise measurement data, high data densities even at high traveling speeds, and a user-friendly presentation of the results. Photogrammetry, laser scanning, and fiber optics are light-based measurement methods that are used in this sector. They are able to record with high precision rail infrastructure such as overhead contact systems, clearance profiles, rail tracks, and much more. This article provides an overview of the established and modern optical sensing methods, as well as the use of artificial intelligence as an evaluation method, and highlights their advantages and disadvantages.

Developing a 3-statement operating and financial performance model for truck and rail infrastructure business: A case study of a model with automated retirement/reinvestment schedule

Developing a 3-statement operating and financial performance model for truck and rail infrastructure business: A case study of a model with automated retirement/reinvestment schedule

Recent advances in embedded technologies and self‐sensing concrete for structural health monitoring

AbstractFully embedded and spatially diffuse sensors are central to the advancement of civil and construction engineering. Indeed, they serve as an enabling technology necessary for addressing the current challenges associated with through‐life management and structural health monitoring of existing structures and infrastructures. The need to identify structural issues early on has driven the integration of such embedded sensing capabilities into construction materials, turning passive structures into proactive, self‐aware “entities,” commonly referred to as Smart Structures. The economic rationale behind this endeavor is underscored by the vital significance of continuous monitoring, which enables prompt anomaly assessment and thus mitigates the risks of potential structural failures. This is particularly relevant for road and rail infrastructures, as they represent a substantial and enduring investment for any nation. Given that a large majority of these large infrastructures are composed of concrete and reinforced concrete, both academics and construction companies are continuously researching micro‐ and nano‐engineered self‐sensing solutions specifically tailored for this building material. This comprehensive review paper reports the latest advances in the field of self‐sensing concrete as of 2024, with an emphasis on intrinsic self‐sensing concrete, that is, electrically conductive functional fillers. A critical analysis and a discussion of the findings are provided. Based on the perceived existing gaps and demands from the industry, the field's future perspectives are also briefly outlined.

Developing two-dimensional indicators of transport demand and supply to promote sustainable transportation equity

Inadequate supply of transport infrastructure is often seen as a barrier to a sustainable future for cities globally. Such barriers often perpetuate significant inequalities in who can and who cannot benefit from sustainable transport opportunities, and as a result there is momentum for transformative urban planning to promote sustainable transportation equity. This study introduces a new set of two-dimensional indicators, merging elements of supply and demand, to identify barriers and imbalances in sustainable transport equity. The accessibility indicators, which are generated for bus, rail, and cycle infrastructure, consider the proximity of administrative areas to good quality transport infrastructure, as well as mode-specific demand, to clearly identify areas where the supply of infrastructure is inadequate to support local populations. We present a policy case study for Liverpool City Region, which demonstrates how these indicators can be used in an analytical framework to support transformative urban planning in long-term. In particular, the indicators reveal policy priority areas where demand for sustainable transport is greater than supply, as well as neighbourhoods where multiple transport inequalities are intersecting spatially, highlighting the need for specific types of infrastructure investment to promote sustainable transport equity (e.g. more frequent services, additional cycle paths). Our framework lays the foundations for improved decision-making in urban systems, through development of mode-specific sustainable transport indicators at small area levels, which harmonise elements of supply and demand for the first time.

The Impact of Rail Transport Infrastructure on Residential Property Rental Values in Kubwa, Abuja, Nigeria

On a global scale, numerous research studies have been embarked upon to show the level of relationship between transport facilities and residential rental values. This study dwelt on the various aspects of rail infrastructure and how it impacts on residential rental values. To accomplish the aim, questionnaires were distributed to head of households and practicing Estate Surveyors and Valuers in Kubwa, Nigeria. Physical observation also aided the researcher in data gathering. Data were interpreted using tables and percentage while Karl Pearson product moment correlation with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences was employed for data analysis. From the correlation analysis the result revealed that the value of r (Pearson correlation) is 0.751 which indicates strong relationship. The p-value (.001) was less than 0.05 significant level. It was confirmed that the rail transport infrastructure has significant impact on residential rental values in Kubwa, Abuja. This translates to growth in rental values. The study recommended government initiatives on the rail system which directly increases the quantity of optimum rail lines of high-frequency metro lines resulting to a substantial increase in real estate values. This study has provided firsthand information and guide for property investors, estate surveyors, built environment professionals as well as government agencies on the importance of rail infrastructure and the various ways it can positively or negatively affect rental values.

Active faults along Indonesia’s first high-speed rail line

Abstract The cities of Jakarta and Bandung, two vital hubs in the western part of Java, are now connected by a high-speed rail line. However, potential earthquake hazards arise as the line intersects two active faults in West Java. To address this concern, we conducted a detailed geomorphological analysis using high-resolution DEM data (8-meter resolution) combine with 30-m resolution data to locate fault lines along the rail infrastructure. In the north, the line intersects the West Java back-arc thrust, while in the south, it crosses the junction of the Lembang Fault and Cimandiri Fault in Padalarang. However, young deposits and vegetation still could obscure fault traces in specific areas observed from high-resolution DEM data. To overcome this challenge, we employed UAV drone mapping to capture finer geomorphology details. This information then combined with paleoseismology trenching to uncover the active structural features. The aim is to enhance the railway’s resilience; and build monitoring and early warning systems for the high-speed train operation system to seismic events.

An Analysis of the Development Factors of Rail Freight Transport in Thailand: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

The railway infrastructure projects in Thailand aim to shift transportation from roads to railways. This is crucial for transporting goods in emerging economies and increasing the demand for rail freight transport. However, several dynamic uncertainties hinder sustainable rail freight transport in Thailand. This study aims to identify the key factors and validate their effects on the success of the modal shift from roads to railways in Thailand. A total of 200 participants filled out a questionnaire delivered online and via postal service. The key factors were categorized into the following categories: the rail freight transport system, demand, and development factors in Thailand. The inter-relationship and connection of these factors were analyzed using SEM (structural equation modeling). The SEM results showed that all causal factors in the model had a positive influence on rail freight development in Thailand, which explained 98.3% of the variance in the factors influencing development. This study’s findings underscore the influential significance of rail performance, rail infrastructure, the legal framework, pricing, mode choice, and technology on the expansion of rail freight transport in Thailand. The rail freight transport system, rail performance, rail infrastructure, and Thailand’s rail infrastructure development strategy were significant direct predictors of rail freight expansion. An expansion of the rail freight transport system also leads to rail freight demand. The results of this study have positive implications for the government, railway practitioners, and policymakers to prioritize their focus on achieving rail freight transport as the national target.

Aeolian sand challenges in desert rail infrastructures, overview of Iran’s experience and advancement

The processes of wind erosion and the movement of dunes have destructive effects on the transportation infrastructure with an emphasis on railway lines. Consequently, the construction and maintenance costs of desert railways will increase under the influence of sand sediment movement. In severe conditions, passing trains can also be affected, compromising their safety and comfort. However, the passage of railway infrastructures through desert areas prone to aeolian sand is inevitable. This research discusses the main challenges encountered by railways in Iran's deserts, including two ultimate and serviceability limit states that affect civil works, track superstructure, rolling stock, and signaling systems. It also examines the mitigating measures implemented in Iran based on the source, transport, or deposition areas of sand dunes. Moreover, the performance of Iran's desert railways has been classified based on wind sand activities. According to the distribution map of Iran's railway network, sand accumulation in the main desert lines has been classified into four levels: very severe, severe, moderate, and low. The research also presents the experience of implementing and monitoring the hump slab track system, which has proven to be a sustainable solution for addressing the dune problem with suitable efficiency over a period of six months.

Pre-processing and analysis of building information models for automated geometric quality control

Research in Quality Control (QC) process digitalisation has principally focused on novel technologies for data acquisition and processing during construction. In contrast, this manuscript focuses on the planning phase and proposes a method that analyses the as-planned 4D Building Information Model (‘BIM model’) to obtain: (1) an exhaustive list of all geometric QC instances to be checked during construction; (2) and an initial schedule of when these checks can be conducted. A rule-based approach is employed to identify the geometric QC instances in the BIM model represented as a graph. The method is demonstrated with three real case studies, including building and rail infrastructure projects, with geometric specifications encoded from the EN 13670 and EN 1090–2 standards as well as other relevant industry sources. The list of QC instances outputted by the method can be used as-is by QC surveyors and managers, or can serve as input to automated QC technologies.

Pathway to zero emissions in global tourism: opportunities, challenges, and implications

Human emissions must reach zero by 2050 to avoid dangerous climate change. Most sectors have achieved a downward path for their greenhouse gas emissions, but tourism’s emissions have continued to grow. We explore scenarios to reduce global tourism emissions and find only a narrow pathway to zero emissions tourism that could lead to net zero by 2050 while not severely damaging the tourism economy. Our study uses a system dynamics model. We describe the business-as-usual scenario, including its consequences for emissions and for tourism’s share of the remaining global carbon budgets if the world is to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 or 2 °C. We explore 45 possible policy approaches, like taxes and subsidies, infrastructure investments, off-sets, technology, behavioural changes, and sustainable aviation fuels. Key measures appear to be a mandate for e-fuel mixing up to 100% by 2050, and a multi-trillion USD investment in hydrogen-powered electric aircraft and high-speed rail infrastructure. We find that a limited renewable energy supply will constrain the growth of aviation if it is to be zero emissions in 2050. A risk-analysis explores the robustness of the policies. Finally, we discuss the consequences of the zero emissions tourism (ZET) scenario we propose.

Does high-speed railway promote horizontal equity within and between cities? Evidence from China

The ongoing debate regarding the impact of rail infrastructures on equity has been a subject of continued interest, particularly in light of increased investments in transportation infrastructures. While numerous studies have explored the distributional impact of high-speed railway (HSR) on intercity economic disparity and accessibility changes, there’s less focus on equity within the city. Consequently, this study employs the difference-in-difference model to analyze the impact of HSR on equity within the city using prefecture-level data in China spanning 2006–2019. Additionally, the study examines the equity between cities, using the Wuhan-Guangzhou railway line as a case study. The findings reveal that the introduction of HSR not only directly enhances equity between cities by improving job accessibility but also indirectly diminishes the urban-rural divide by creating more job opportunities for rural residents. This study broadens the concept of horizontal equity by considering equity within the city and expands the investigation on the equity between cities from traditional accessibility studies to more focused job accessibility. Furthermore, the study contributes to understanding the equity impact of remittance behavior from rural-to-urban migrant workers on balancing urban-rural development, a phenomenon characterized by the quick urbanization of China and also popular in developing countries around the world.

Analysis of the possibility of using the satellite navigation system in the railway traffic control systems

The analysis of the possibility of using satellite navigation for rail vehicle positioning, which is the subject of many studies and projects, is aimed at assessing the uncertainty and accuracy of train positioning using satellite navigation systems, along with defining its impact on the capacity and safety of the rail infrastructure. Existing studies in this area prevent a clear assessment of the feasibility of implementing a satellite navigation system for rail vehicle positioning in rail traffic control systems. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the possibility of using satellite navigation for rail vehicle positioning in terms of research problems arising from the limitations of satellite positioning system functionality, which include parameters related to accuracy, reliability, and speed of information transfer between the vehicle and the rail traffic control system. The implementation of the research work should be focused on developing a research model, subject to validation for the parameters and conditions of movement of rail vehicles in the defined area of railroad infrastructure, adopted within the framework of the work carried out. The research and the model form the basis for developing the knowledge of implementing satellite navigation in practical solutions on the railroad network.

A novel method of refining the performance of rail systems: an evaluation of system dynamics using discrete event simulation

PurposeThis paper aims to trial a novel method of improving the performance of rail systems. Accordingly, an evaluation of rail system dynamics (SD) using discrete event simulation (DES) will be undertaken. Globally, cities and their transportation systems face ongoing challenges with many of these resulting from complicated rail SD. To evaluate these challenges, this study utilized DES as the basis of the analysis of Melbourne Metro Rail's SD. The transportation SD processes including efficiency and reliability were also developed.Design/methodology/approachUsing DES, this research examines and determines the Melbourne Metro Rail's SD. Although the Melbourne Metro Rail is still in progress, the DES developed in this research examined the system requirements of functionality, performance and integration. As the basis of this examination, the Melbourne Metro Rail's optimization was simulated using the developed DES. As the basis of the experiment, a total of 50 trials were simulated. This included 25 samples for each of efficiency and reliability. The simulation not only scrutinized the SD but also underlined some of its shortfalls.FindingsThis study found that information and communication technology (ICT) was the pinnacle of system application. The DES development highlighted that both efficiency and reliability rates are the essential SD and thus fundamental for Melbourne Metro Rail system functionality. Specifically, the three elements of SD, capacity, continuity and integration are considered critical in improving the system functionality of Melbourne Metro Rail.Research limitations/implicationsThis particular mega rail infrastructure system was carefully analyzed, and subsequently, the DES was developed. However, since the DES is at its inception, the results are relatively limited without inclusive system calibration or validation process. Nonetheless, with some modifications, such as using different KPIs to evaluate additional systems variables and setting appropriate parameters to test the system reliability measures at different intensities, the developed DES can be modified to examine and evaluate other rail systems. However, if a broader system analysis is required, the DES model subsequently needs to be modified to specific system parameters.Practical implicationsThrough evaluation of Melbourne's Metro Rail in the manner described above, this research has shown the developed DES is a useful platform to understand and evaluate system efficiency and reliability. Such an evaluation is considered important when implementing new transport systems, particularly when they are being integrated into existing networks.Social implicationsEfficient rail networks are critical for modern cities and such systems, while inherently complex, aid local economies and societal cohesion through predictable and reliable movement of people. Through improved system functionality and greater efficiencies, plus improved passenger safety, security and comfort, the traveling public will benefit from the enhanced reliability of the transportation network that results from research as that provided in this paper.Originality/valueThis research paper is the first of its kind specifically focusing on the application of DES on the Melbourne Metro Rail System. The developed model aligns with the efficiency optimization framework, which is central to rail systems. The model shows the relationship between increased efficiency and optimizing system reliability. In comparison with more advanced mathematical modeling, the DES presented in this research provides robust, but yet rapid and uncomplicated system enhancements. These findings can better prepare rail professionals to adequately plan and devise appropriate system measures.

Future Trends: Predicting the Evolution of Rail and Road Transportation in Logistics

The logistics industry represents the vital circulatory system of the global economy, responsible for the efficient movement of goods across sprawling supply chain networks. Historically, rail and road transportation modes have been the workhorses of logistics operations, facilitated by their extensive infrastructure and versatility in cargo handling. However, the convergence of rapid technological advancements, evolving consumer expectations, and mounting environmental pressures is catalyzing a transformative shift in the future evolution of these pivotal transportation sectors. This comprehensive study delves into the emerging trends that are poised to reshape the rail and road transportation landscape within the logistics realm. By synthesizing insights from industry leaders, academic research, and cutting-edge technological developments, the study aims to provide a holistic perspective on the forthcoming changes and their far-reaching implications. The study’s main objective is to integrate semi-autonomous and autonomous cars into fleets of transportation vehicles. The advent of self-driving trucks and trains promises to revolutionize logistics operations by enhancing efficiency, reducing human error, and optimizing route planning. Concurrently, this transition raises critical concerns related to workforce displacement, regulatory frameworks, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities that necessitate proactive mitigation strategies. Moreover, the logistics industry faces mounting pressure to embrace sustainable practices and curtail its environmental footprint. Consequently, the rail sector is anticipated to experience a renaissance fueled by its inherent energy efficiency and lower carbon emissions compared to road transportation. Innovations in electric and hydrogen-powered locomotives, coupled with advancements in rail infrastructure, could position rail as a greener and more cost-effective solution for long-haul freight movement. Concurrently, the road transportation sector is poised for a transformation driven by the proliferation of electric and alternative fuel vehicles. This adoption is projected to accelerate as battery technology improves, charging infrastructure expands, and governments implement stricter emissions regulations. Furthermore, the integration of advanced telematics systems and realtime data analytics could optimize route planning, load management, and vehicle maintenance, further enhancing the operational efficiency of road-based logistics.

A framework for the successful application of nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation on rail infrastructure developed through the examination of two case studies

The management of railway infrastructure to withstand more frequent and more extreme weather conditions caused by climate change presents a significant global challenge for the rail industry. Nature-based solutions (NbS) have been proposed as potential options to protect and adapt rail infrastructure to accommodate the impacts of climate change, and an initial framework to aid the implementation of NbS in the industry has been developed. Few examples of the application of NbS in the rail environment have been documented however, with a lack of awareness on the concept being cited as the most significant barrier to its dissemination. By examining the application of NbS on two rail case studies in Adelaide, Australia, and Yorkshire, UK, including focus groups and interviews with rail professionals involved in each, this research explores the barriers encountered and the aids to NbS implementation used in these live railway examples, enabling the testing and refinement of the NbS operationalisation framework to produce an improved tool for use by the rail industry. The rail-specific case study outputs contribute to industry knowledge and awareness on NbS, which is critical for its successful uptake on rail infrastructure for climate change adaptation, and will support the continued provision of safe, sustainable rail services.

Trends and policy analysis: A case for sustainable transport systems in India

In this article, we analyse India's transport sector policy. The study examines the two important modes of transport, viz., road and rail, and analyses the efficiency of transport infrastructure from 2011 to 2019. Through Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), we evaluate modes in terms of the capacity of registered road goods vehicles and railway goods wagons, truck km/train km and energy consumption and corresponding freight traffic. The analysis gives valuable insight into the fact that rail infrastructure is more efficient than road infrastructure. Still, current transport sector policies promote energy-intensive carbon-fuel road vehicles rather than energy-efficient alternative transport modes. The study suggests the changes that may be incorporated in inputs to improve the efficiency of the road infrastructure. The Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)-Malmquist Index analysis reports the need for total factor productivity improvement in rail transport and the introduction of technological innovations in road and rail transport sector management. The study employs a well-to-wheel (WTW) based index to ascertain the energy consumed and pollutants emitted by freight-carrying road and rail modes between two leading business hubs of India, i.e., Ludhiana and Mumbai. The paper identifies policy gaps and suggests a holistic approach for need-based roadway investment and a time-bound development of railway infrastructure in India. Our study generates valuable implications for India's policy planners and government authorities and provides new insights to other countries.

Socio-economic development impacts, attendant challenges and mitigation measures of infrastructure vandalism in Southern Africa

ABSTRACT This paper explores the scourge of infrastructure vandalism in South Africa and Zimbabwe, with a particular focus on electricity and rail transport companies within the two countries. The paper sought to document the manifestation of infrastructure vandalism; identify the socio-economic impacts of infrastructure vandalism; and explore the challenges of curbing vandalism. The paper reveals that vandalism mainly manifests through copper cable theft; vandalism of transformers, pylons and rail infrastructure; theft of transformers; and tampering with railway points machines. Vandalism of infrastructure comes with direct and costs to the utility companies, as well as negatively impacting the economy, essential services, and the overall community safety. Involvement of employees in the criminal activities, corruption, incessant power cuts, well organised crime syndicates and a weak legal framework were identified as the current challenges to anti-vandalism efforts. The paper also proffers mitigatory measures to deal with the scourge.

Agriculture Sector Development in Nigeria: Empirical Investigation of Rail Infrastructure Quality Effect

For decades, Nigeria’s agriculture intermodal mix has been out of balance, leaning heavily on road transport. Seventy per cent of agro-produce transportation is through a crumbling road system. For stakeholders, the return of rail transport services is a good omen. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the effect of rail infrastructure quality on agriculture sector development in Nigeria spanning from 2000 to 2022, using time series data. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) method estimates disclosed that railroad infrastructure quality had an inverse relationship with agriculture value added in Nigeria during the period covered in this study. Nevertheless, the federal government of Nigeria should make more effort to rehabilitate old rail lines and the construction of new ones to complement other modes of transportation across the country. In that regard, effort should be made to attract potential foreign investors in the construction of rail lines. At the same time, engineers should be properly trained in diesel locomotive technology and rail track management.

Automatic Detection of the Running Surface of Railway Tracks Based on Laser Profilometer Data and Supervised Machine Learning.

The measurement of the longitudinal rail profile is relevant to the condition monitoring of the rail infrastructure. The running surface is recognizable as a shiny metallic area on top of the rail head. The detection of the running surface is crucial for vehicle-based rail profile measurements, as well as for defect detection. This paper presents a methodology for the automatic detection of the running surface based on a laser profilometer. The detection of the running surface is performed based on the light reflected from the rail surface. Three rail surfaces with different surface conditions are considered. Supervised machine learning is applied to classify individual surface elements as part of the running surface. Detection by a linear support vector machine is performed with accuracy of >90%. The lateral position of the running surface and its width are calculated. The average deviation from the labeled widths varies between -1.2mm and 5.6mm. The proposed measurement approach could be installed on a train for the future onboard monitoring of the rail network.