TRACK

MONITORING
TRACK
RECORDING
CAR
Track Recording Car
TRC Cabin
Track Recording Car – Laser Based Contactless

5
 Measurement by TRC

Left Rail Short Chord

Unevenness
Right Rail Long Chord

Twist Short Chord Gauge

Left Rail Short Chord

Alignment
Right Rail Long Chord
 Measurement by TRC

Vertical
Acceleration
Lateral

Ride Index Total Quality Index

 TQI- Track Quality Index (Para 511-512)

Parameter Index (PI)

• Parameter Index on Short Chord for Unevenness = UNI-1
• Parameter Index on Short Chord for Alignment = ALI-1

• Track Quality Index for Short Chord TQI-S = (UNI-1 +

ALI-1)/2
• Similarly TQI for Long Chord TQI-L = (UNI-2 +
ALI-2)/2

• Track Quality Index (Composite)

TQI-C = (TQI-S + TQI-L)/2
 TQI- Track Quality Index EXAMPLE

• Parameter Index (PI)

= 100*e-((SD_M) – (SD_NTL))/( (1.3*SD_NBML) –(SD_NTL))
• SD_M = Standard Deviation (Measured Value)
• SD_NTL = SD of New Track Tolerance – Fixed
• SD_NBML = SD of Need Based Maintenance Limit– Fixed
Say my track is as good as New Track So, SD_M = SD_NTL
Hence PI = 100*e-((SD_NTL) – (SD_NTL))/( (1.3*SD_NBML) –(SD_NTL))
= 100*e-0 =100
Similarly we can calculate the limiting values of TQI for different
conditions of track
 Limiting Values of TQI
S. Measured SD Value TQI
N. (SD_M) Speed Upto 100 100-110 110-130 130-160
kmph Kmph kmph kmph
1. SD_M = 1.3 NBML 37 37 37 37
2. SD_M = NBML 50 49 49 50
3. SD_M = PML 66 67 67 75
4. SD_M = NTL 100 100 100 100
5. SD_M = 0 133 127 131 134

TQI is only an overall indicator of riding quality of track. Maintenance

of track is not to be planned on the basis of TQI. Maintenance of track
should be planned based on PML/NBML/UML for individual blocks.
 Sperling Ride Index
 Sperling Ride Index (R.I.) is defined as :
R.I. = 0.896 x {(∑(bi3x F(f)/fi )x1/n} 1/10
i - extends from 1 to n , where n is no of completed half waves.
bi = Peak value of amplitude for the ith half wave (cm/sec2)
f i = Frequency of the ith half wave = 1/(2Ti), Ti= time of ith half
cycle.
F(f i) = correction factor for the ith half wave
 Ride Index value depends on acceleration peaks and their frequency
of occurrence
 Ride Index Vs Riding Quality
R.I. Interpretation

1.0 - Very good

1.5 - Almost very good
2.0 - Good
2.5 - Almost good
3.0 - Satisfactory
3.5 - Just satisfactory
4.0 - Tolerable
4.5 - Not tolerable
5.0 - Dangerous in service

12
 Measurement by TRC
• All track parameters are measured at an interval of 0.25 m.
• Every km is divided in 5 blocks of 200m each.
• Every block has 800 measured values for each track
parameter
• Defect peaks of track parameters above NBML and UML
tolerance limits are reported location/spot wise.
• SD values for UN and AL are calculated in each block of
200m.
• If measured SD value is beyond tolerance limits, block are
placed in PML or NBML category
Para 506 - Frequency of TRC Recording

Sr No Route Classification Frequency

1 Routes with Speed > 130 <= 160 Kmph 02 Months

2 Routes with Speed > 110 <= 130 Kmph 03 Months

3 Routes with Speed Up to 110 Kmph 06 Months

 TRC Reports
&
Their Interpretation
 Km wise Exception Report of TRC
Para 509 (1) - Details in every 200m Block Report

• SD of UN and AL (On Short/long Chord for Left/Right rail).

• Average of Variation of Gauge over Nominal Gauge (AVG).
• Maintenance instructions (MI-G) corresponding to Average Guage over NBML and UML
• Parameter Index UN-I, AL-I on both user selected chord.
• TQI on both user selected chord, TQI-C for sections with speed >100 kmph.
• Avg Speed for 200m block
• Vertical and Lateral Riding Index (RIV, RIL)
• Maintenance instructions (MI) corresponding to UN and AL over PML and NBML /
 Km wise Exception Report of TRC

Para 509 (2) - Results reported for Whole km Report

• No of peaks above NBML and UML.

• 10 highest peaks of track parameters and vertical and
lateral accelerations with location as obtained from
measurements of worst peaks in each 50 m block.
• Peaks value above UML with location (TW1, AG, VACCN,
LACCN)
 For Speed Bands > 110 <= 130 Kmph

PML NBML UML

Track Parameters SD SD Peak Peak

UN-1 3.3 4.9 15 X

Unevenness
UN-2 5.1 7.4 22 X
AL-1 2.5 3.6 11 X
Alignment
AL-2 3.5 5.3 16 X
Twist TW-1 X X 4mm/M 6mm/M

VAC X X X 0.25 g
Acceleration
LAC X X X 0.25 g
 For Speed Bands > 110 <= 130 Kmph

PML NBML UML

Track Parameters SD Peak Peak

Mean Gauge
Straight X X -8 to +10 -10 to +12
(in 200 M block) Curve-R > 440 X X -5 to +14 -7 to +17
over Nominal
Gauge Curve-R < 440 X X -5 to +18 -7 to +20

Isolated gauge
Straight X X -10 to +12 -12 to +15
Peak Curve-R > 440 X X -7 to +17 -11 to +20
over Nominal
Gauge Curve-R < 440 X X -6 to +22 -8 to +25
Action to be taken based on TRC results
Para 523
523 (1) Action to be taken on exceedance of UML:

Spots/blocks exceeding track Parameter limits, and

acceleration peak limits set as UML should be noted by the
ADEN and SSE accompanying the TRC and suitable speed
restrictions have to be immediately imposed, which shall be
relaxed only after suitable attention/maintenance of track at
concerned location.

Similar action should be taken on exceedance of UML during

OMS run also.

23
 Identification of UML Locations

Sectional Gauge Twist Acceleratio

Speed (On 3.0 n
Straigh Curve Curve m base)
t (R> (R<
440m) 440m)

Upto 110
Kmph 21mm 0.30 g
-10mm to -7mm to
-7mm to
>110 to +12m +17m
130 +20mm 18mm 0.25 g
m m
Kmph
>130 to
160 -8mm to -7mm to -7mm to 15 mm 0.20 g
Kmph +12m +15m +20m
Action to be taken based on TRC results
523
Para (2)
523 Action to be taken on exceedance of NBML:
(i) NBML blocks on the basis of SD value and NBML isolated
spots on the basis of Peak values shall be noted through
TMS reports.

All such blocks and isolated spots should be attended to

within a reasonable time of TRC run so that good ride
quality is maintained and the track geometry does not
exceed the UML.

The reasonable time would be different for different sections

depending upon the Magnitude of defects, Cause of the
defect, Traffic Density of the section, Maximum Permissible
Speed of the section etc. 25
Action to be taken based on TRC results
Para
523523
(2) Action to be taken on exceedance of NBML:

(ii) Gap between two successive NBML locations should also

be tamped if gap in between them is upto 200 m. (1 TRC
block).

(iii) While attending an NBML block in the yard in which any

portion of the turnout falls, the entire turnout should be
tamped.

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Action to be taken based on TRC results
Para
523523
(3) Planning of through tamping based on PML:

(i) PML blocks shall be identified for block sections and for
yards separately

The Block Section for any main line should be treated from
block (TRC Block of 200 m) of last SEJ of preceding station to
block of first SEJ of current station. Both the blocks
containing above SEJ would be excluded from the block
section on any particular line (UP & DOWN separately).
Similarly, the Yard would be treated from a Block of 200 m
containing 1st SEJ to Block of last SEJ on any particular line
(UP & DOWN separately) of the concerned station/yard. 27
Identification of Block Section and
Yard

Yard Section Block Section

SEJ

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523 (3) Planning of through tamping based on PML:

(ii) The block section should be planned for through tamping if the
percentage of blocks exceeding PML is more than 40%.
(iii) Yards should be planned for through tamping if the
percentage of
blocks exceeding PML is more than 50%.
Tamping of turnouts and straight of all other passenger loop lines
should be planned on condition basis by ADEN while machines are
deployed in yard for need based or planned attention of Main line
of yards.

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523 (4) Maintenance action when track recording is not
done :

(i) For sections in which TRC has not run for more than one year and
the last tamping has been done more than two years before, the
need based maintenance and urgent maintenance should
continue to be carried out based on OMS recording and other
inspections.

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523 (4) Maintenance action when track recording is not
done :

(ii) Sectional Sr.DEN/DEN should periodically (at suitable intervals

not greater than six months) review the need for maintenance of
track of each such Block sections / Yards based on OMS
recording, other inspections and other maintenance
considerations.

(iii) Through tamping of such Block sections / Yards, if considered

necessary based on OMS recording and other considerations,
should be proposed for inclusion in planning of Through Tamping
by Sr.DEN / DEN of section through Sr.DEN / Coordination of
Division for approval of CTE.
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 Integrated Track Monitoring System
(ITMS)-New TRC

03 ITMS have
been introduced
in IR:
• TRC-8001
• TRC-8002
• TRC-8003

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ITMS (Integrated Track Monitoring System)
 Complete Rail Profile Measurement at every 25 cms

• Automatic detection of rail type (52 kg/ 60

kg etc.)
• Vertical and lateral rail wear (Gauge and non
gauge face)
• Horizontal rail wear & lip flow
• Rail inclination
ITMS (Integrated Track Monitoring System)
 Infringement in SOD/MMD

• Scanning of SOD/MMD envelope

• Non-contact LiDAR technology is used for 360°
scanning with the help of 24 nos. of camera.
• The presence of any obstacle/infringement
within SOD/MMD envelope is detected and
printed with details and locations as exception
report.
ITMS (Integrated Track Monitoring System)
 Condition Monitoring of Track Components

• Record the images of permanent way,

including rails, fastenings, sleepers and ballast.

• 4 high-speed line-
scan cameras with
1024 pixels
resolution scan the
rails to obtain
photographic
images of the track.
ITMS (Integrated Track Monitoring System)
 Defects Identification
• Rails - longitudinal & transverse cracks, gauge
corner defects, Surface defects, Joint gaps, Joint
mis-alignments, Cupped welds.
• Sleepers - Crack, misalignment, spalling,
spacing defects.
• Fastenings – Missing clips, bolts, shifted rail
pads
• Ballast- Excess/deficient ballast, level of ballast,
Vegetation, mud pumping.
Condition Monitoring of Track Components
(Sleeper Crack)
Condition Monitoring of Track Components
(Sleeper Spalling)
Condition Monitoring of Track Components
(Missing Clip)
Condition Monitoring of Track Components
(Missing Bolt)
Condition Monitoring of Track Components
(Surface defect)
Rear window
and Driver’s
view Video
Recording for
condition
monitoring of
track features

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• Acquire, store, display
and print images of track
features.
• Stamping of track
parameters on image of
track features with
location.
• Occurrence of track
defect can be corelated
with ground features
such as Points and
Crossings, Level
crossings, Bridge
Approaches etc.
43
 Measurement by TRC
Gauge:
TRC is equipped with following types of Gauge
sensors -
• Contact Gauge Sensor
• Suitable upto 100 km/h speed

• Contactless Laser Based Gauge Sensors

• Suitable upto 160 km/h speed
Gauge Sensor
(Carbide Tip)
Track Recording Car – Laser Based Contactless

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OSCILLATION
MONITORING

SYSTEM
 OMS-2000 (Para 513/IRPWM)
• Oscillations Monitoring System (OMS)-2000 is a microprocessor
based system to record oscillations in vehicle.
• It has a portable Accelerometer which can be directly placed over
coach or locomotive floor near bogie pivot to record the oscillations.
• By transducers, Oscillations are converted into electrical signals
which can be recorded electronically and processed on PC
• It is a portable system which can be easily transported for use.
• Works in the control of Division or Zonal HQ .
 OMS-2000

It records-
• Speed of Vehicle
• Vertical and Lateral Acceleration on coach floor.
 Record /Display exceedances of vertical / lateral acceleration above a Lower
threshold value. Also gives distance in meters from any predetermined reference
point (Generally a km post)

• Gives RI Values ( Sperling’s Ride Index)

 Salient Features of OMS
• Portable, preferably 6 to 12 Kg; not more than 19 Kgs
• Battery operated, possible to operate with 24V DC, coach battery,
110V/220V AC supply.
• Real Time digital out put. The accelerations are readable on LCD
display on real time basis and can be transferred to TMS
Computer for maintenance planning
• Operate in Tacho and Non Tacho (Time) Mode
• Rugged : Does not require air conditioning.
 Salient Features of OMS
• Suitable for train speeds up to 160 KMPH.
• Sensor range to record: 0.01 to 1.0g
• Vertical and Lateral accelerations measured at least once
in every 10 millisecond. (Sampling rate 100
sample/second)
• On the basis of measured acceleration values, RI is
calculated for every block of 200 m, using the Sperling
Riding Index formula.
 Acceleration Peaks (Para 515)
Lateral and vertical acceleration peaks exceeding the following
values are considered for track quality assessment
a) High Speed routes above 110 kmph > 0.15g
On A and B routes

b) Other route upto to 110 kmph: > 0.20g

Total number of peaks per Km exceeding above limits are taken for
Track Quality Classification.
Track Quality Classification (Para 516)
Track Quality is judged on the basis of total number of Vertical
and Lateral acceleration peaks/Km in a continuous stretch of
PWI/AEN/Division jurisdiction as under -

Very Good
Good Average

Speed > 100 Kmph < 1.0 1-2 >2

Others < 1.5 1.5-3.0 > 3

 Typical Output of OMS
04,11,88 Date (DD/MM/YR)
12.56.16 Time (Hr/Min/Sec) 24 hr format

1251 0000 K Starting location in KM

0100 0.15 0.15 G Max. speed, V accn. limit, L accn limit
2.50 2.50 R Max. V RI limit and L RI limit

1251 0092 K Location in KM, Distance from last KM

102 0.16 0.04 G Speed, Vert. accn., Lat. accn. in ’g’
1251 0320 K
089 0.19 0.07 G
1251 0917 K
095 0.06 0.17 G
1251 Km switch pressed
092 Average speed during last KM
01 2.93 2.33 R Block No., Vert. RI , Lat. RI
02 2.91 2.63 R
03 3.14 2.54 R
04 3.02 3.30 R
05 2.97 2.83 R
Micro Controller Based Oscillation Monitoring System
PC Based Oscillation Monitoring System
Android-GPS Based OMS (AG-OMS)
 Advantage of OMS

• Quick and easy method to judge the Riding Quality of Track.

• No need for special train running and separate path for
recording. It can be placed on any running train.
• Identify the defect locations in terms of acceleration peaks.
• Though it does not give track parameter details like TRC, but
it can help in planning the maintenance activities by
identification of defect locations.

58
Maintenance Planning on the basis of
OMS
• Para 523(1)
• If peaks recorded by OMS exceeds UML category, suitable speed
restrictions have to be immediately imposed, which shall be relaxed
only after suitable attention/maintenance of track at concerned
location.

• Para 523(4)
• For sections in which TRC has not run for more than one year and the
last tamping has been done more than two years before, the need
based maintenance and urgent maintenance should continue to be
carried out based on OMS recording and other inspections.

59
 Important Points for using OMS
• The OMS equipment shall be kept in the rearmost
coach of the fastest train in the section or in a
dedicated coach, which shall be attached, as last
vehicle, to the fastest train in the section.{(Para 513(2)(i)}
• When kept in Loco, may give wrong result due to induction effect.

• Trained operator should be used

• OMS should be sent to RDSO once in Eight months or whenever in
doubt for calibration check

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Frequency of OMS
(Para 514)

a) On route having speed above 100 kmph

– once in a months.

b) Other Routes
– once in 2 months

61
Recording Speed of OMS

• A-Routes : 75 Kmph
• B- Routes : 65 Kmph
• Other Routes : 60 Kmph or 75% of Maximum Sectional Speed,
whichever is less.

Recording below above speed is considered as “Non Recording”.

62
OSCILLOGRAP
H
CAR
63
 Oscillograph Car (Para 517/IRPWM)

• Run by Mechanical directorate of RDSO

• This is mainly for research purpose to check the track vehicle
response on riding.
• It is run to monitor oscillations in vehicle on account of track
in terms of accelerations for the sections where speed is more
than the running speed of TRC and TRC is not capable of
monitoring accelerations on higher speeds

64
 Threshold Values of Acceleration

As per Para 517(3) of IRPWM, values are as under

Vertical/Lateral
For diesel & electric Locos , with double 0.20 g
stage suspension
For other locos with single stage 0.30 g
suspension
On passenger coach floor 0.15 g

65
 Analysis and Interpretation of Results

• Vertical and Lateral acceleration peaks above threshold value are

counted separately.

• Track should be attended to at all such locations where

peaks above threshold values are reported so as to
ensure good riding (Para-518/1).

• Analysis is done km wise under following heads:

•Station Yards
•Other Than Station Yards
•Active Continuous Stretch

66
 STATEMENT ‘A’
OCILLOGRAPH RESULTS (Para 517; Annexure-5/1)
Total length of Section: 232 Kms Section : BPQ-KZJ
Length recorded : 185 Kms Loco No……….
Date of recording : 22nd March 1982 Type of Loco………..
Station Yards (Peaks above Threshold values)
Sl. No. Name of Yard and Speed in Kmph Vertical Acceleration Lateral Remarks
Location Acceleration
1 SRUR 100 - 0.26
FP-2
2 MCI 100 0.22 -
TP-1 100 0.22
TP-2
3 PPZ 100 0.20 -
FP-1 105 0.20 -
FP-2
4 BGSF 110 - 0.22
324/10-11
5 OPL 100 0.26 -
343/5-6
6 HSP 100 0.20
TP-1
 STATEMENT ‘B’
Date of recording: 22nd March 1982 Section : BPQ-KZJ(Km 367-135)
Loco No………. Length recorded : 185 Kms
Type of Loco……….. Total Length: 232 Kms
Oscillograph Results in Places other than Station Yards Isolated Locations
(Peaks above Threshold value)
Sl. No. Location Speed in Vertical Lateral Remarks
Kmph Acceleration Acceleration
1 146/1-2 100 - 0.28 Curve
2 148/15-16 110 - 0.28 Br.
3 149/7-8 110 0.28 -
4 149/7-8 110 0.35 - Br.
5 151/8-9 110 - 0.24
6 151/8-9 110 - 0.22
7 151/11-12 105 - 0.24
8 160/7-8 110 - 0.22 Curve
9 164/9-10 110 0.24 -
10 168/1-2 100 And so on 0.30
 STATEMENT ‘C’

Date of recording: 22nd March 1982 Section : BPQ-KZJ(Km 367-Km135)

Loco No………. Length recorded : 185 Kms
Type of Loco……….. Total Length: 232 Kms
OSCILLOGRAPH RESULTS
Active Continuous Stretches
Sl. Kms Distance Speed in Total No. of Maximum No. of No. of Remarks
No. in Kms. Kmph peaks above Value peaks peaks
From To
0.20 g between above
0.20g & 0.30 g
0.30g

Note - If there are on an average more than 10 peaks above the threshold value per km,
the length may be included in this statement.
Frequency of Oscillograph Car Run
[ Ref: IRPWM 517(2)]

a) On route having speed above 110 kmph and up to

130 kmph
– once in 6 months.

b) On route having speed above 130 kmph and up to

160 kmph
– once in 4 months

70