Railway Research Articles

Railway Track Ballast Layer Stiffness Dynamic Control Elastic-Linear Model

The paper presents the results of mathematical modeling of the shock-elastic interaction process in the dynamic densimeter for dynamic control of the ballast layer of the railroad track. The installation is used to determine the compaction level and to estimate the carrying capacity of the ballast layer during the inter-repair period of tampering, renewal and track stabilization operations. The effect of exposure on the controlled elastic base is considered within a four-element mathematical model. The time intervals of interaction between the model elements are revealed. Each time interval is described by a system of second-order differential equations, for which analytical solutions were obtained. The model verification was evaluated during tests with a dynamic control unit consisting of a loading plate, a falling weight, and an elastic-damping element located between the weight and the loading plate. Tests were conducted on a polyurethane surface with known stiffness. In the process, signals of vertical acceleration of the loading plate when the load strikes the elastic-damping element were recorded. The acceleration was recorded by an accelerometer sensor with a sampling rate of 42 kHz being connected to a computer with specialized software. The acceleration data were obtained for different values of the stiffness of the elastic-damping element in the installation. To evaluate the simulation results, the obtained signals were compared with the theoretical model by the correlation method. According to the results of modeling, the main amplitude and time informative parameters used to determine the degree of compaction of the base layer have been singled out. The dependence of the values of informative parameters on the installation parameters (load weight, loading plate weight, stiffness of an elastic-damping element) in conditions of uncertainty was studied. The obtained dependences are used to estimate the error of each parameter in calculating the rigidity of the base. Informative parameters have been determined that allow you to determine the stiffness of the base with an error of not more than 7%. A method for selecting the optimal characteristics of the unit design and informative parameters to ensure minimum errors has been developed.

Tree canopy cover and elevation affect the distribution of red harvester ant nests in a peri-urban setting.

With an increase in human population over the past 30 years, regional land use in south Texas has shifted from grassland and shrubland to a peri-urban matrix. Despite this shift from natural areas to more anthropogenically modified habitats, native red harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex barbatus) have maintained nest sites within parts of these matrices. To determine which habitat characteristics in a peri-urban landscape may play a role in red harvester ant nest site selection, we mapped the location of nests in 2020 and 2021. We then evaluated nest presence and absence relative to elevation, percentage of surrounding impervious surfaces, distance to roadways, and tree canopy cover (using NDVI). For a sub-sample of the study site, we also measured soil moisture and estimated the potential foraging area per colony with Voronoi tessellation. We found that nests were clustered together near high human-use areas such as athletic fields, lawns, sidewalks, and railroad tracks. Nests were more likely to be found in areas with higher elevation and lower tree canopy cover, with no impact from surrounding impervious surfaces or soil moisture. In fact, many nests were observed immediately adjacent to roadways and in paved parking lots. Red harvester ants are highly adept at nesting in disturbed, urbanized matrices, but still appear to be constrained by certain environmental factors like shading, potential flood risk (elevation), and access to food resources (foraging area).

Effect of radiofrequency in de Quervain's tenosynovitis: A randomized control trial

Background. De Quervain's tenosynovitis is mucoid degeneration of the tendon sheaths of the two tendons that regulate the mobility of the thumb. As a result, the wrist's thumb side is painful and uncomfortable. Objectives. To assess radiofrequency's effectiveness in patients with de Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Design. A prospective randomized controlled trial. Setting. physical therapy department, Rail Way Hospital. Methods. 40 participants with de Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Participants were divided into two groups at random: group A (control group), which received an ultrasound, transverse friction massage, and strengthening exercises; and group B (study group), which received radiofrequency plus ultrasound, transverse friction massage, and strengthening exercises. Pain intensity, hand grip strength, and pinch strength were all measured at the baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment by using the visual analog scale, Jamar dynamometer, and pinch gauge, respectively. Results. All outcome indicators in both groups improved statistically significantly (P < 0.05), according to within-group comparisons. The between-group comparisons showed significant improvement in all outcome measures for both groups (P < 0.05), with the study group showing superior improvement to the control group; the study group's VAS improvement percentage was 28.7%, its grip strength improvement percentage was 6.71%, and its pinch strength improvement percentage was 28.6%. Conclusion. In comparison to ultrasound, transverse friction massage, and strengthen exercise, radiofrequency plus ultrasound, transverse friction massage, and strengthen exercise resulted in greater improvements in de Quervain's tenosynovitis patients' pain intensity, hand grip strength, and pinch strength.

Design and Development of a Fog-Assisted Elephant Corridor over a Railway Track

Elephants are one of the largest animals on earth and are found in forests, grasslands and savannahs in the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa. A country like India, especially the northeastern region, is covered by deep forests and is home to many elephants. Railroads are an effective and inexpensive means of transporting goods and passengers in this region. Due to poor visibility in the forests, collisions between trains and elephants are increasing day by day. In the last ten years, more than 190 elephants died due to train accidents. The most effective solution to this collision problem is to stop the train immediately. To address this sensitive issue, a solution is needed to detect and monitor elephants near railroad tracks and analyze data from the camera trap near the intersection of elephant corridors and railroad tracks. In this paper, we have developed a fog computing-based framework that not only detects and monitors the elephants but also improves the latency, network utilization and execution time. The fog-enabled elephant monitoring system informs the train control system of the existence of elephants in the corridor and a warning light LED flashes near the train tracks. This system is deployed and simulated in the iFogSim simulator and shows improvements in latency, network utilization, and execution time compared to cloud-based infrastructures.

Performance analysis of protective functions of forest plantations of the Lviv railway line (Ukraine)

To reduce the harmful impact of railway transport on the environment and ensure environmental safety, railway enterprises develop and implement a wide range of environmentally effective measures annually. First, it concerns the protection of the territories adjacent to the railroad tracks from various types of pollution. These forest plantations are created for the protection of the railroad track from adverse climatic factors, as well as for the reduction of the railway's impact on the surrounding territories - to reduce the various types of pollution, and to protect from adverse aerodynamic effects. In order to investigate the protective properties of forest plantations, we presented their detailed characteristics on the section of the Lviv-Sambir railway line. This is the busiest railway line in terms of the number of trains, which connects the eastern industrial regions of Ukraine with the western part of the European Union. It transports the largest volumes of cargo, including hazardous ones. The effect of afforestation on reducing the heavy metals content in the soil of the impact area of the railway was determined experimentally. In all samples, the concentrations of heavy metals in the soil do not exceed the maximum permissible concentration standards: Cu-100, Zn-100, Pb-30, Cd-3.0 mg/kg3. However, there is a decrease in the heavy metals' content with the distance from the track. Differences in ingredient pollution depending on the placement of plantations were established. Thus, the concentration of heavy metals is higher on average from 2.6% to 29.9% in the areas on the windward side compared to the areas on the opposite leeward side. Therefore, forest vegetation intensively retains heavy metals and performs the function of a filter for the natural environment. Research has established a reduction in the parametric impact of railway transport. The level of protective plantings' effect on noise reduction along railway lines was determined. The highest noise levels of electric trains were determined at 95-94 dBA near the track, at a distance of 50-100 m the noise level remained high at 90-82 dBA, and at a distance of 150-200 m the noise ranged from 86 to 65 dBA; the highest noise levels of passenger trains were determined near the track of 92-91 dBA; freight trains ‒ near the track 93-92 dBA. The dependence of the noise level on the structure and condition of the plantations was determined. Thus, it can be stated that the existing forest plantations perform their phytomelioration functions and reduce the negative ingredient and parametric impact of railway transport. In order to protect the territories adjacent to the railway from pollution successfully, it is necessary to monitor transport sections constantly to ensure the sustainable development of the railway industry.

Drainage Analysis of the West Outer Ring Road Surabaya

The development of West Outer Ring Road, abbreviated as JLLB, to improve the quality of infrastructure in the City of Surabaya. A breakthrough is needed by opening a new existing road section to break down traffic jams that lead to the main corridor section of the central city. The JLLB area, originally a green open area, was converted into a road area. This condition will cause changes in the sum of rainwater runoff that occur. The JLLB also intersects with the railroad tracks. A drainage system plan to ensure no puddles on the road, even through the railroad tracks. The method of this study follows hydrological and hydraulics analysis of the drainage systems. The results of drainage analysis on West Outer Ring Road, abbreviated as JLLB, there are several typical canal dimensions needed. All velocities can be controlled in the range of permissible velocity. The minimum velocity is 0,4 m/sec, and the maximum is 0,873 m/sec. The maximum planned discharge is 1,381 m3/sec. The capacity of boezem is planned to suit 5,104 hr of rain duration. Based on all that results, the drainage analysis of JLLB would be great if implemented according to plan.

Plastic Crisis: Responsible Recycling Within Military Railroad Infrastructure

Plastic usage has reached unprecedented levels worldwide, and plastic waste disposal has likewise risen from a matter of concern among industrialized nations to a crisis level across the globe. One potential solution is to repurpose or recycle plastic into civil infrastructure. The objective of this paper is to perform a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) style assessment of recycled plastic railroad ties for military use and the associated effects on military transportation. Recycled plastic has some potential advantages over traditional treated wood for the manufacture of railroad ties, but it also has variable material behavior characteristics. Data provided in this paper show changes both in dimension and in material properties with temperature for recycled plastic and composite railroad ties. Surface temperatures on crossties exceeding 50°F higher than outside air temperatures further explain the gage issues observed throughout U.S. Department of Defense railroad tracks. General trends in tie performance were noted which included seasonal variation in gage, temperature-dependent ductility, and lower load-carrying capacity than wooden ties. These data indicate a need for clear performance specifications to prevent post-installation track usage problems which can affect military readiness and response times and therefore national security.

TECHNOLOGY THE FIRE DETECTION SYSTEM ON THE RAILWAY LINE IS BASED ON IMAGE PROCESSING WITH THE COMPUTER VISION METHOD

The rail transportation system plays a role important as a medium of transportation for the movement of goods and people in large quantities and is one of the modes of cheap transportation, this transportation model evolved from a steam train until it evolves to become more sophisticated using electric and magnetic technology, trains system works well with support from several the first factor is human resources, supporting technology and facilities. The problem with the rail system is that damage to the rails can cause result in the transportation route being blocked and can cause a very fatal accident, Based on these problems, besides the feasibility of the rail system, rail maintenance is a very important key, the railroad track maintenance system is usually carried out periodically. The solution to handle this problem is to use a computer vision method by utilizing surveillance cameras or CCTV installed on railroad crossings able to detect damage, the detection of damage is categorized into a few types first is track damage, due to shifts, fires on rail lines and finally structural damage due to earthquakes or landslides in the railway line area, this technology has been applied to several developed countries. and can monitor a large area and can provide a quick response if a malfunction occurs, the system will be a smart monitoring system but doesn't replace the role of a railway officer but as a tool that will provide complete information where the location of the damage is so that prompt and more effective repair action can be taken.

Modification of Tyre Rubber Crumb with Wastes of Plant Oil Production

Recovery of fat-and-oil production wastes will reduce the technogenic impact on the environment, as well as involve them in a new production cycle as a secondary material resource. As part of solving this problem, the possibilities of using fat-and-oil production wastes in the production of a tyre reclaim and a modified tyre reclaim are considered. In the course of the studies, the fat-and-oil industry wastes’ sorption characteristics are determined, and in relation to oils in static and dynamic conditions, the spent reagent reclamation ways are determined. The authors obtained a tyre reclaim and a modified tyre reclaim using the fat-and-oil industry wastes (soap stock, diatomite, bleaching clay, and fatty acids isolated from soap stock). In this work, the authors studied the possibility of using the fat-and-oil industry wastes in the formulations of a tyre reclaim and a modified tyre reclaim. Extended physical and mechanical tests of experimental rubbers led to the conclusion that it is most expedient to use the fat-and-oil industry wastes in the formulation of rubber compounds for production of sleeper pads for railroad tracks, since when using a tyre reclaim and a modified tyre reclaim, the indicators of rubber properties practically do not change and comply with control standards.

IMPLEMENTATION OF DESIGN THINKING APPROACH METHODS IN CURVING SELL MAINTENANCE WEBSITES (CASE STUDY: KAI DAOP 5 PURWOKERTO)

PT KAI DAOP 5 Purwokerto is one of Indonesia's railroad operating units under the auspices of PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero). PT KAI DAOP 5 Purwokerto has several divisions, one of which is the rail and bridge unit. The rail line and bridge units at KAI DAOP 5 Purwokerto are still manually recording plan data and inspecting tracks. So, a system is needed to record plan data and review railroad tracks. This is done to make it easier for inspection officers to store data and reduce the risk of losing data from inspecting railroad tracks. Methods of data collection using literature study methods, interviews, and discussions with prospective website users and the team. This research aims to assist users in recording planning data and to inspect rail lines and bridges. Designing a website using the Design Thinking approach can make it easier to make User Interface designs that suit user needs. Applying the Design Thinking approach, a prototype design was found, which was used as a reference in implementing the Sell Maintenance website. The results of tests conducted on one of the employees on the user interface design were 8 accepted, 2 rejected, and 3 revisions. Applying the Design Thinking approach, a prototype design was found, which was used as a reference in implementing the Sell Maintenance website. The results of tests conducted on one of the employees on the user interface design were 8 accepted, 2 rejected, and 3 revisions. Applying the Design Thinking approach, a prototype design was found, which was used as a reference in implementing the Sell Maintenance website. The results of tests conducted on one of the employees on the user interface design were 8 accepted, 2 rejected, and 3 revisions.

Lora Based Elephant Detection System Near Railroads

A Lora-based elephant detection system near railroad tracks is a proposed solution to mitigate human-elephant conflicts where elephants roam railroad tracks and threaten human safety and elephant welfare. The system supports Lora (Low Range Radio) communication, image processing, and IoT (Internet of Things) devices such as MCU (microcontroller unit), GPS (Global Positioning System), LCD (liquid crystal display), speakers, and image processing. use a combination of algorithms. The system aims to detect elephants in real-time through image processing and use Lora communications to transmit information to relevant authorities and intervene in time. This white paper reviews existing literature and research in the area of ​​elephant detection systems, including research on image processing, IoT-based wildlife monitoring, and Lora communications. The proposed system has the potential to contribute to the effective detection and deterrence of elephants near railway tracks , reduce the risk of human-elephant collisions, and improve elephant conservation efforts.Top of Form

Suitability of Injana Sandstone rocks for building Stone and Rail way ballast stone ̸ Ketol area ̸ Sulymania Governorate

The study aims to find the geotechnical properties and engineering geological evaluation of sandston rocks which belong to Injana Formation ̸ Ketol area ̸ Sulymania Governorate/formation L belong to Injana ̸ and make a comparison with Iraqi standard and American society for testing and material (ASTM) specifications. In order to determine their Suitability for building purpose and rail way ballast stone by detailed geological survey of sandstone rocks and laboratory tests (6) station in addition chemical analysis and mineral components.
 Petro physical test such as (Absorption, density) and Mechanical tests such as (Unconfined compressive strength, Flexural strength, Abrasion resistance) show these rocks are suitable as building stone according to (ASTM,C-568-99,2004).and suitable as rail way ballast stone according to Iraqi specifications (Raymond,1979) (O.R.B.D,1999).

A longitudinal study into response to vibrations and noise due to rail traffic: design, questionnaire and respons

Despite a call for attention already for years, the health effects of vibrations due to rail traffic have been understudied. In the meanwhile, rail traffic (passenger and freight) is increasing and regulations for vibration need to be adapted accordingly. In order to fill this gap and with the aim to better inform policy, a baseline survey was performed in 2013 among people of 16 years and older living within 300 meter from a railroad track (N= 4927). Based on the results and in view of the railroad expansion, monitoring was advised. In 2019 and 2021 the measurements were repeated in participants who indicated that they could be contacted again. This resulted in 1349 and 784 participants in measurement 1 and 2 respectively. This allows studying trends in effects while accounting for co-determinants and changes in exposure, providing the building blocks for further development of policy and regulations on railway vibration. We are currently analyzing the data, and will present the first results at the conference

Study on Sound and Vibration Propagation Caused by External Flow Affecting Interior Noise of Railway Vehicles

Among the aerodynamic noises generated by Railway Vehicles running at high speed, the noise generated by the structure on the roof not only affects the environment along the railroad tracks outside the vehicle, but also propagates inside the vehicle, damaging the comfort of the cabin. Exterior noise is a phenomenon in which aerodynamic noise generated by the structure propagates, and the source of the noise has been clarified and predicted. On the other hand, interior noise is a combination of flow-induced aerodynamic noise propagating acoustically and structural excitation caused by pressure fluctuation due to wake vortices around the structure, and these two phenomena have not been investigated quantitatively. In this study, the effects of aerodynamic noise generated by structures in the airflow on the acoustic environment inside and outside the vehicle were experimentally investigated using a small low-noise wind tunnel from the viewpoint of source and propagation characteristics, and practical modeling of these effects was attempted. In addition, the characteristics of the sound source were investigated in detail by computational aeroacoustic analysis.

Frank Chin’i Anlamak: “Railroad Standard Time” ve “The Eat and Run Midnight People” Öykülerinde Çinli Amerikalı Kimliğinin İzleri

In “Rail Road Standard Time” and “The Eat and Run Midnight People,” published in the short story collection titled The Chinaman Pacific and Frisco R.R. Co. (1988), Frank Chin focuses on several issues such as cultural heritage and transmission, identity, railroad narrations, food, and masculinity. In the first short story, Chin is going to his mother’s funeral, and during this journey, he jumps between his memories that help the reader to see the trails of his Chinese American identity formation. In the second story, Chin once more returns to his memories by taking up the role of the narrator and reveals the issues of double discrimination, masculinity, and the influences of American culture on his identity formation. The aim of this article is to analyze Chin’s selected short stories from a thematic and social perspective. The article also aims to reveal how the author tries to maintain his ethnicity and reflect his identity molded by two different cultures.

Penentuan Prioritas Perawatan Berdasarkan Hasil Track Quality Index (TQI) Jalur Kereta Api Antara Stasiun Semarang Poncol – Stasiun Alastua

PT. Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) has a measuring train that is used to determine the condition of the railroad tracks. The output of measuring train is a railroad quality value called the TQI (Track Quality Index). The TQI value can used to determine priority rail road maintenance. This study aims to determine the TQI category of the railroad between Semarang Poncol - Alastua, then determine improvement priorities and maintenance programs. The results of the analysis of the Semarang Poncol-Alastua cross-section railway data have an average category II for 20 < TQI ≤ 35. For priority treatment based on the results of the first point TQI on the SMT-ATA upstream track KM 0+156/188 Type Device LK (arch) with a TQI value of 48.1 categories III with an alert condition, an immediate corrective action program and track laying. Downstream track ATA-SMT KM 1+993/975 with a TQI value of 48.1 categories III with an alert condition, an immediate corrective action program and for the type of repair is track laying.

Deteksi Kecacatan Permukaan Rel Menggunakan Metode Deep Learning Neural Network

Rail is a construction in one unit made of steel, concrete, and other construction materials above or below the ground depending on the direction and area. The condition of the rail surface must not have any defects so that train travel is safe and comfortable. This research method discusses the research design. There are four processes in this research design, namely the data acquisition process, the RGB image color conversion process to HSI, the filtering process using the gabor filter, and the classification process using deep learning neural networks. The purpose of this study is to build a system to visually detect defects in the surface of the railroad tracks, namely image processing techniques. This activity was carried out at the Madiun Indonesian Railways Polytechnic Station Laboratory. Based on the research that has been done, it can be concluded that an image with a size of 32x32 pixels produces the highest accuracy value at epoch 90 using the gabor filter image type. The more epochs used, the better the results will be and the better the model can be made. The accuracy results obtained were 0.8041 or 80.41% for training accuracy and testing accuracy of 0.79 or 79%

The Introduction of Train as Automobile Machine as A Means of Transportation: It’s Impact On Reduction of Road Accidents in Nigeria

Transportation through the Railway is more appreciative compared to the road transport. Many people have lost their lives and properties through the road transportation, hence the researcher tried to look into the problem of the road transport in Nigeria. In the western word the train is more popular compared to the use of vehicles to convey human beings and goods. The road traffic accident statistic from 1990 – 2012 was recorded in 2013, by the road safety commission. The researcher used the descriptive survey research design to carry out this study. The data was illustrated using histogram to demonstrate the rate of accident on Nigerian road showing fatal, serious, minor, killed and injured. Solutions were provided by the researcher on how to overcome the problem on Nigeria road. By providing rail way transport, because rail way transport has no records of accident.

Analysis of the Interaction of Technical and Economic Indicators in Improving the Efficiency of Operational Activities of Railway Transport

The article identifies factors that contribute to the optimization of the transportation process on the railroad tracks, to ensure the stable movement of goods on the railroad tracks and to develop a methodology to reduce the negative factors that lead to the decline of the transportation process.

A Figure of Heroic Size

A Figure of Heroic Size Jae Towle Vieira (bio) In Katie’s hometown—Auburn, California—the scales have been missing from the Ladies of Justice at the courthouse for more than one hundred years. Each of the three statues presides over a cardinal direction. None blindfolded, but none with pupils. All grip modest swords in their right hands, and all their lefts are extended as if to hand back change. Katie’s aged uncle wrote an article about the missing scales for the local paper as part of a retrospective in celebration of the new millennium. There are no pictures of the courthouse under construction (one of at least five local mysteries), but photographs of the completed structure from 1897 confirmed that every Iustitia and/or Themis once held a balanced set of scales, swinging on a real chain. The readership appreciated this nugget of local trivia, but no one advocated to reinstate the scales. Their absence had become a tradition of its own. At conception, back in the late 1800s, reports say the courthouse’s dome was capped by “a figure of Progress, of heroic size”—apparently some sort of Cupid, though again there are no pictures—but this Eros was quickly supplanted by a weathervane, which more effectively secured the loyalties of the town. The weathervane was temporarily replaced by the Stars and Stripes during the nationalist fervor of 1917, but this change was received with displeasure. The traditionalists loved Old Glory as much as anyone, but let’s not forget that we have a particular way of doing things around here. The weathervane was eventually restored to its place of honor. Patriotism is important in this old Gold Rush town—certainly one of the top five local values—but not so important as history. Katie’s ex-husband has five sons with his new wife, and all of them, from six to sixteen, race dirtbikes. They can be found at the track every Friday night, zipped into black leather suits with fox head logos across the shoulders, revving, helmets glossy even though the stands and the crowd and the cars and the grills and the beams of the floodlights and [End Page 134] the railroad tracks and the ponderosa pines are all suffused in ochre dust. The six-year-old is a crowd favorite. Katie knows this because she is one of the photographers who comes to every race all summer long. She takes pictures of the racers in hopes of future sales. This is not as easy as it used to be (and it was never easy, strictly speaking), but it is not impossible to make a living this way. She also photographs monster truck rallies, cross-country ski meets, and the Western States Endurance Run, which is her favorite. She takes portraits of seniors at three local high schools, covers festivals including Railroad Days, the Gold Country Fair, the Placer Farm and Barn Tour, the Mountain Mandarin Festival, Lake Tahoe’s Concours d’Elegance, and, with the help of her assistant Ophelia, she shoots weddings. One might say she gets around. “Kitty,” her ex-husband says, leaning against his bike one Fast Friday, cocking his helmeted head. “How’ve you been? We missed you at Peter’s birthday last weekend. The big One-Oh!” “Double digits,” she says, nodding, because Peter is standing nearby, half a hot dog in hand and half in mouth. His helmet, twice as large as his blond buzzed head, is tucked under his other arm. “That’s a big deal!” She makes as if to keep walking. “Really though, how are you?” her ex-husband asks. His voice is muffled; he hasn’t removed his helmet. He always holds himself completely still while talking. Katie believes this is because he cannot stand auditory clutter. When they first moved in together, he convinced her to pawn her father’s mantel clock. “Ticking is for classrooms and other prisons,” he said. The first time they fucked in her bed, he’d attempted to rise above the provocation of her percale sheets. Finally, red-faced and flaccid, he’d asked, “Can’t you do something about this?” “You know me,” Katie says...