Chapter 2 Track Measuring Systems

0 CHAPTER 2

TRACK MEASURING SYSTEMS1

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this Chapter is to provide information and establish recommended practices regarding the different types of track measuring systems in use by North American railways and transit agencies. In general, the systems mentioned in this Chapter are capable of measuring or inspecting the geometry of the track and its major components, assessing the condition and strength of basic track elements, measuring track clearances, etc. Usually these systems are mounted on a rail-bound or self propelled vehicle capable of testing or inspecting tracks at adequate speeds under certain dynamic conditions and able to collect and store data by automated means. 1 Typical track measuring systems include, but are not limited to, the following:

– Track Geometry Measuring Systems (including catenary and contact rail geometry);

– Rail Measuring Systems (including rail profile, rail cant, rail friction, etc.);

– Track Strength Assessment Systems (including gage restraint, tie strength, ballast and subgrade assessment, 3 longitudinal track strength, lateral track strength, etc.);

– Track Clearances Measuring Systems (including tunnel and platform clearances, ballast profile assessment);

– Automated Track Component Evaluation (tie and fastener assessment, etc.);

– Other Measuring Systems.

1 The material in this and other chapters in the AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering is published as recommended practice to railroads and others concerned with the engineering, design and construction of railroad fixed properties (except signals and communications), and allied services and facilities. For the purpose of this Manual, RECOMMENDED PRACTICE is defined as a material, device, design, plan, specification, principle or practice recommended to the railways for use as required, either exactly as presented or with such modifications as may be necessary or desirable to meet the needs of individual railways, but in either event, with a view to promoting efficiency and economy in the location, construction, operation or maintenance of railways. It is not intended to imply that other practices may not be equally acceptable.

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Part/Section Description Page

1 Track Geometry Measuring Systems...... 2-1-1 1.1 Introduction ...... 2-1-3 1.2 Definitions of Various Track Geometry Parameters and Related Elements Used to Describe Track Geometry2-1-4 1.3 Description of a Generic Track Geometry Measuring Vehicle (TGMV) ...... 2-1-9 1.4 Recommended Practice for Identifying and Locating Track Geometry Priority Defects Detected by a Track Geometry Measuring Vehicle ...... 2-1-11 1.5 Typical Uses of Data Collected by Track Geometry Measuring Vehicles...... 2-1-30 1.6 Recommended Practice - Measurement Frequency for Track Geometry Measuring Vehicles ...... 2-1-74 1.7 Recommended Practice for TGMV Calibration and Validation ...... 2-1-76 1.8 Recommended Practice for Autonomous Track Geometry Inspection Systems ...... 2-1-84 1.9 Recommended Practice for Establishing Accurate Locations for Track Measurement Systems ...... 2-1-88

2 Rail Measuring Systems ...... 2-2-1 2.1 Introduction ...... 2-2-2 2.2 Definitions ...... 2-2-3 2.3 System Description ...... 2-2-16 2.4 Typical Uses of Data ...... 2-2-17 2.5 Recommended Practice for Computing Rail Profile Quality Indices ...... 2-2-19 2.6 Recommended Practice for Measuring Rail Wear Parameters ...... 2-2-23 2.7 Recommended Practice for Rail Cant Measurement...... 2-2-23

3 Track Structure Assessment Measuring Systems...... 2-3-1 3.1 Introduction ...... 2-3-2 3.2 Definitions ...... 2-3-2 3.3 Description of Gage Restraint Measuring Systems (GRMS) ...... 2-3-2

4 Track Clearance Measuring Systems ...... 2-4-1 4.1 Introduction ...... 2-4-2 4.2 Definitions ...... 2-4-2 4.3 Description...... 2-4-2 4.4 Recommended Practices ...... 2-4-2 4.5 Typical Uses of Data ...... 2-4-2 4.6 Measurement Frequency ...... 2-4-2

5 Automated Track Component Evaluation ...... 2-5-1 5.1 Introduction ...... 2-5-2 5.2 Definitions ...... 2-5-2 5.3 Description...... 2-5-2 5.4 Recommended Practices ...... 2-5-2 5.5 Typical Uses of Data ...... 2-5-2 5.6 Measurement Frequency ...... 2-5-2

6 Other Track Measuring Systems ...... 2-6-1 6.1 Introduction ...... 2-6-2 6.2 Definitions ...... 2-6-2 6.3 Description...... 2-6-2 6.4 Recommended Practices ...... 2-6-2 6.5 Typical Uses of Data ...... 2-6-2 6.6 Measurement Frequency ...... 2-6-2

Part/Section Description Page

6.7 Evaluating the Relationship Between Track GEometry and Track/Vehicle Interaction through Performance Based Track Geometry Inspection Systems (2014)...... 2-6-3

Chapter 2 Glossary ...... 2-G-1

INTRODUCTION

The Chapters of the AREMA Manual are divided into numbered Parts, each comprised of related documents (specifications, recommended practices, plans, etc.). Individual Parts are divided into Sections by centered headings set in capital letters and identified by a Section number. These Sections are subdivided into Articles designated by numbered side headings.

Page Numbers – In the page numbering of the Manual (2-2-1, for example) the first numeral designates the Chapter number, the second denotes the Part number in the Chapter, and the third numeral designates the page number in the Part. Thus, 2-2-1 means Chapter 2, Part 2, page 1.

In the Glossary and References, the Part number is replaced by either a “G” for Glossary or “R” for References.

Document Dates – The bold type date (Document Date) at the beginning of each document (Part) applies to the document as a whole and designates the year in which revisions were last made somewhere in the document, unless an attached footnote 1 indicates that the document was adopted, reapproved, or rewritten in that year.

Article Dates – Each Article shows the date (in parenthesis) of the last time that Article was modified.

Revision Marks – All current year revisions (changes and additions) which have been incorporated into the document are identified by a vertical line along the outside margin of the page, directly beside the modified information. 3 Proceedings Footnote – The Proceedings footnote on the first page of each document gives references to all Association action with respect to the document.

Annual Updates – New manuals, as well as revision sets, will be printed and issued yearly.

Track Geometry Measuring Systems

— 2016 —

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section/Article Description Page

1.1 Introduction ...... 2-1-3

1.2Definitions of Various Track Geometry Parameters and Related Elements Used to Describe Track Geometry2-1-4 1.2.1 Introduction (2012) ...... 2-1-4 1.2.2 Track Geometry in the Horizontal Plane (2012) ...... 2-1-4 1 1.2.3 Track Geometry in the Longitudinal Plane (2012) ...... 2-1-5 1.2.4 Track Geometry in the Transverse Vertical Plane (2012) ...... 2-1-7 1.2.5 Track Geometry in the Track Plane (2012) ...... 2-1-8 1.2.6 Related Track Geometry Terminology (2012) ...... 2-1-8

1.3 Description of a Generic Track Geometry Measuring Vehicle (TGMV)...... 2-1-9 3 1.3.1 General Description (2012) ...... 2-1-9

1.4 Recommended Practice for Identifying and Locating Track Geometry Priority Defects Detected by a Track Geometry Measuring Vehicle ...... 2-1-11 1.4.1 General (2012) ...... 2-1-11 1.4.2 Description of a Strip Chart (2012) ...... 2-1-12 1.4.3 Description of the Measured Geometry Parameters (2012)...... 2-1-19 1.4.4 Description of the Priority Defect Report (2012) ...... 2-1-20 1.4.5 Identification of Track Geometry Priority Defects Using the TGMV’s Reports (2012) ...... 2-1-22 1.4.6 Location and Verification of Track Geometry Priority Defects in the Track (2012) ...... 2-1-28

1.5 Typical Uses of Data Collected by Track Geometry Measuring Vehicles ...... 2-1-30 1.5.1 Introduction (2012) ...... 2-1-30 1.5.2 Spot Maintenance and Operational Safety Assurance (2012) ...... 2-1-31 1.5.3 Programmed Track Maintenance (2012) ...... 2-1-38 1.5.4 Track Renewal (Capital Planning) (2012) ...... 2-1-39 1.5.5 Quality Assurance and Assessment (Audit) of Maintenance Practices (2012) ...... 2-1-40 1.5.6 Engineering Analysis (Trends, Derailment Analysis, etc.) (2012)...... 2-1-41 1.5.7 Service Level and Line Changes (2012) ...... 2-1-42 1.5.8 Claims (2012)...... 2-1-42 1.5.9 Development and Use of Track Quality Indices (TQI) Generated from TGMV Data (2012)...... 2-1-42 1.5.10 Recommended Open Standard for TGMV Data Interchange (2012) ...... 2-1-63

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TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONT)

Section/Article Description Page

1.6 Recommended Practice - Measurement Frequency for Track Geometry Measuring Vehicles...... 2-1-74 1.6.1 Factors to Be Considered (2012) ...... 2-1-74 1.6.2 Common Industry Practices (2012) ...... 2-1-74

1.7 Recommended Practice for TGMV Calibration and Validation ...... 2-1-76 1.7.1 Fundamental Track Geometry Parameters (2014) ...... 2-1-76 1.7.2 Practice Frequency (2014) ...... 2-1-76 1.7.3 Daily Validation (2014) ...... 2-1-76 1.7.4 Yearly Validation and New Vehicle Acceptance (2014) ...... 2-1-77 1.7.5 Mechanical Wear and Scheduled Maintenance (2014) ...... 2-1-77 1.7.6 Track Validation Segment Specification (2014)...... 2-1-77 1.7.7 Distance Measurement Validation (2014) ...... 2-1-79 1.7.8 Static Instrumentation Verification (IV) (2014) ...... 2-1-79 1.7.9 Geometry Measurement Reproducibility (2014) ...... 2-1-81 1.7.10 Bi-Directional Vehicles (2014)...... 2-1-84 1.7.11 Hi-Rail Vehicles (2014) ...... 2-1-84

1.8 Recommended Practice for Autonomous Track Geometry Inspection Systems...... 2-1-84 1.8.1 Description of Autonomous Inspection Approach (2015) ...... 2-1-85 1.8.2 Recommended Practice for Validation of Autonomous Inspection Data (2015) ...... 2-1-86 1.8.3 References (2015)...... 2-1-88

1.9 Recommended Practice for Establishing Accurate Locations for Track Measurement Systems ...... 2-1-88 1.9.1 Methods of Establishing Location Data for Track Measurements (2016) ...... 2-1-88 1.9.2 Uses of Linear Positioning (2016) ...... 2-1-90 1.9.3 Technology Appendix (2016) ...... 2-1-93

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Description Page

2-1-1 The Horizontal and Longitudinal Vertical Track Geometry...... 2-1-4 2-1-2 The Track Geometry in the Transverse Vertical Plane...... 2-1-7 2-1-3 The Track Geometry in the Track Plane ...... 2-1-8 2-1-4 TGMV Hardware Block Diagram ...... 2-1-10 2-1-5 Generic Strip Chart ...... 2-1-13 2-1-6 Chart Header ...... 2-1-14 2-1-7 Markings for Milepost & Tenth-of-Mile ...... 2-1-14 2-1-8 Chart Longitudinal Scale ...... 2-1-15 2-1-9 Event Markers ...... 2-1-15 2-1-10 Parameter Scale and Zero Lines...... 2-1-16 2-1-11 Threshold Lines and Defect Marks ...... 2-1-18 2-1-12 Absolute and Relative Parameters ...... 2-1-19 2-1-13 Priority Defect Report Output ...... 2-1-20 2-1-14 Profile Priority Defect ...... 2-1-23 2-1-15 Tangent Alignment Priority Defect ...... 2-1-24 2-1-16 Curve Alignment Priority Defect ...... 2-1-25 2-1-17 Superelevation/Crosslevel Priority Defect...... 2-1-26

LIST OF FIGURES (CONT)

Figure Description Page

2-1-18 Warp/Twist Priority Defect ...... 2-1-27 2-1-19 Gauge Priority Defect ...... 2-1-28 2-1-20 Priority Defects and Track Events ...... 2-1-29 2-1-21 Single Level Analysis (direction of test run is from left to right) ...... 2-1-32 2-1-22 Multi-level Threshold Analysis ...... 2-1-33 2-1-23 Grouping Defects...... 2-1-34 2-1-24 Repeat Defect Example ...... 2-1-35 2-1-25 Repeat Distance Window...... 2-1-36 2-1-26 Signal Comparison...... 2-1-38 2-1-27 Examples of Track Segments of Variable Length (VL)...... 2-1-47 2-1-28 Examples of Track Segments of Fixed Length (FL) ...... 2-1-48 2-1-29 Example of Moving Window (MW) Segment...... 2-1-48 2-1-30 Definition of Parameter Signal Trace Length ...... 2-1-52 2-1-31 Example of Exception Count TQI Report ...... 2-1-54 2-1-32 Example of Exception Length TQI Report ...... 2-1-55 2-1-33 Example of Mile Index TQI Report...... 2-1-57 2-1-34 Example of MI TQI Comparison Report...... 2-1-58 2-1-35 Example SQI Index Report ...... 2-1-59 2-1-36 Surface Index Bin Range and Weights ...... 2-1-60 2-1-37 Example of Quarter Mile Bar Graph Report ...... 2-1-61 2-1-38 Length of track segment given various track roughness scenarios ...... 2-1-62 2-1-39 Length Ratio Index example graphic report ...... 2-1-63 2-1-40 Example of Test Information Rows...... 2-1-65 2-1-41 Examples of Location Test Information Header Rows ...... 2-1-68 2-1-42 Example for Parameter, Parameter Unit and Parameter Sign Row ...... 2-1-72 2-1-43 Example of Parameter, Parameter Unit, Parameter Sign and Parameter Data Rows ...... 2-1-72 2-1-44 Example of Interchange File in a spreadsheet application ...... 2-1-73 2-1-45 Example IV Recording Form...... 2-1-77 2-1-46 Typical Track Validation Segments ...... 2-1-78 2-1-47 Rail Condition and Gage Contact Point...... 2-1-79 2-1-48 Gage/Crosslevel Bar ...... 2-1-80 2-1-49 Picture Gage Calibration Fixture...... 2-1-80 2-1-50 Picture Gage Calibration Fixture...... 2-1-81 2-1-51 Signal Shift Diagram ...... 2-1-82 2-1-52 Signal Offset and Gain Diagram ...... 2-1-83 2-1-53 Curve Body or Spiral Deformation Diagram...... 2-1-83 2-1-54 Signal Noise Diagram ...... 2-1-84 2-1-55 Asset Identification (shown at the top) in a Data Chart...... 2-1-89 2-1-56 Defect Report with Location Identifiers ...... 2-1-91 2-1-57 Multiple Run Overlay Before Aligning ...... 2-1-92

SECTION 1.1 INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this section is to describe the various track geometry parameters generally used by railroads and transit agencies to describe track geometry.