Railway bridge monitoring

Can the bridge handle 140 km/h train crossings?

We’ve created a sophisticated monitoring system merging different fiber optic technologies with video surveillance. Customized to meet the client’s needs and aligned with their sustainable energy philosophy, it provides real-time data with top accuracy and environmental consciousness.

Reguest information

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ABOUT THE CLIENT

major Austrian railway company transporting 323 million passengers and over 94 million tons of goods annually

electricity for trains and stations comes from 100% renewable energy sources

CLIENT EXPECTATIONS

highly reliable system for real-time monitoring of train safety and bridge health

INITIAL STATE

temporary bridge designed for fast train crossings
numerous vibrating points lacking structural stress monitoring

need to monitor in remote areas

heavy resonations during the train’s 140 km/h crossing

WHAT did the client turn to us with

The project’s goal was the development of a monitoring system which enables the operators and engineers to assess structural health of a temporary railway bridge. This kind of lightweight bridge is susceptible to oscillation and tends to resonate heavily during the train’s 140 km/h crossing, which is necessary for the rail network’s efficiency. Although oscillation canceling measures were applied to its design, it was necessary to monitor the bridge’s behavior during its use in real-time.

Benefits of the solution compared to conventional methods

I. INCREASED EFFICIENCY OF TRAIN MOVEMENT

Precautionary measures to keep the 140 km/h speed for about 100 passing trains per day.

II. Significant savings in time and personnel costs

Workflow optimization to minimize maintenance costs.

III. ImproveD security and safety

Automated system with predefined thresholds for alarm activation.

How did we approach the solution?

We have provided the customer with valuable data on the behavior of the bridge under load caused by passing trains. The analysis software provided an overview of the entire system and outputs from each sensor. It was thus possible to set predefined limits for activating an alarm or indicating a breakdown.

The measured data revealed a long-term tendency of track subsidence and the degree of deflection of individual axles of trains passing optical sensor heads. Thus operators got information on the weight effect of the axles on the tracks, and it was possible to calculate the maximum train speed for safe crossing.

Products used

Gallery from realized project

Why work with us?

Our company was invited into the project thanks to its professional expertise and experience in implementing comprehensive real-time monitoring of the bridges.

The fiber optic technology we work with is highly reliable, accurate, and resistant to environmental influences. Thanks to this, we always guarantee the reliability of our systems.

FBG technology is the most suitable solution for deploying a large number of different types of sensors in very harsh environments.

Power transmitted over optical fiber enables remote operation of maintenance-free monitoring technology and eliminates the need for physical visual inspection.

Fiber optic bridge monitoring in remote locations without the need to access electricity at the monitoring location.

Industry

Partners

How can we help you?

Are you considering our products and solutions, need to consult about your project with us, or would you like to establish long-term cooperation with us? Contact us. We’ll do our best to answer any questions you might have within 24 hours.

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