Condition monitoring of the track/train interface

The application of condition monitoring offers significant potential for improving many aspects of railway operation and maintenance. AEA Technology Rail has been involved in condition monitoring for the UK railway industry for over twenty years covering both infrastructure and rolling stock. Since railway privatisation the importance of condition monitoring has increased significantly, in particular a need for systems assessing the track-train interface, a key contractual boundary between parties. This paper considers the essential elements of successful condition monitoring, illustrating the principles with examples drawn from the wide range of experience within AEA Technology Rail. Track-train interface monitoring systems are considered from both the infrastructure and vehicle condition monitoring perspectives. Infrastructure monitoring systems for checking track quality and adhesion are described. Vehicle monitoring systems for checking wheels are discussed