Method for Evaluating Rail Corrugation Growth Process by Monitoring Vertical Rail Vibration

Rail corrugation causes noise, vibrations, and deterioration of track components, which increase the frequency of track maintenance work. However, a measurement method that efficiently evaluates the growth of rail corrugation has not been established. The authors of this paper have developed a monitoring system for rail corrugation that enables long-term remote measurement of rail vibrations by means of battery-powered accelerometers and a wireless sensor network. In this study, the relationship between vertical rail vibration characteristics and actual rail corrugation measured on commercial lines was investigated to verify the applicability of the developed system for identifying the growth process of rail corrugation. © 2023 Ken-yusha Inc.. All rights reserved.