Dynamic characteristics of a switch and crossing on the West Coast main line in the UK

Abstract Railway switches and crossings constitute a small fraction of linear track length but consume large proportion the railway system maintenance budget. While switch crossing (S&C) faults rarely prevent trains from running, are source many need continual attention. On rare occasions when prevented running cost disruption is very high. Condition monitoring point operating equipment that moves switchblades has been in use for years condition state terms support mechanical damage as pass over only recently started to become possible. To this end, it important understand correlation between S&C sensor data can detect those faults. This paper assesses some collected multiple sensors variously positioned on around UK mainline few days normal train operation. Accelerometers, geophones, strain gauges were installed at locations where they anticipated be most useful. Forces load transfer nose estimated two separate gauge bridges possible acceleration discussed. Correlations different analysed assessed peak forces accelerations presented. Based analysis, conclusions drawn about types dynamic information S&Cs obtained variety types.