Abstract
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a technology that is used in many technical areas to collect non-destructive underground information by using electromagnetic waves.
This master's thesis examines the potential of GPR in the track diagnostics of metre-gauge lines and provides a comprehensive global overview of the main areas of application of GPR in the railway sector. It becomes clear that GPR is already widely used in the railway sector worldwide.
The previous investigations into the fundamentals of GPR as well as the evaluation and analysis of the GPR measurements carried out on the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) network in Switzerland in February 2023 have shown considerable potential for use in the track diagnosis on metre-gauge lines.
The exploratory correlation analysis between individual measurement data from GPR and the IRISSYS measurement database did not reveal any patterns or trends. For this reason, suggestions are made as to what future projects could look like.
Finally, these findings made it possible to formulate recommendations for the effective use of GPR in the track diagnostics of metre-gauge lines.
With additional knowledge about the track structure, such as ballast fouling, ballast moisture, corrugation and layer thickness determination, the maintenance processes and conversion planning could be designed even more precisely. Integrating this additional information from GPR into the existing IRISSYS system seems to be a promising way to continue the path towards predictive maintenance
This master's thesis examines the potential of GPR in the track diagnostics of metre-gauge lines and provides a comprehensive global overview of the main areas of application of GPR in the railway sector. It becomes clear that GPR is already widely used in the railway sector worldwide.
The previous investigations into the fundamentals of GPR as well as the evaluation and analysis of the GPR measurements carried out on the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) network in Switzerland in February 2023 have shown considerable potential for use in the track diagnosis on metre-gauge lines.
The exploratory correlation analysis between individual measurement data from GPR and the IRISSYS measurement database did not reveal any patterns or trends. For this reason, suggestions are made as to what future projects could look like.
Finally, these findings made it possible to formulate recommendations for the effective use of GPR in the track diagnostics of metre-gauge lines.
With additional knowledge about the track structure, such as ballast fouling, ballast moisture, corrugation and layer thickness determination, the maintenance processes and conversion planning could be designed even more precisely. Integrating this additional information from GPR into the existing IRISSYS system seems to be a promising way to continue the path towards predictive maintenance
| Translated title of the contribution | Potential of Ground Penetrating Radar in metre gauge track diagnostics |
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| Original language | German |
| Qualification | Master of Science |
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| Supervisors/Advisors |
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| Publication status | Published - 29 Jan 2024 |