The development of a laser based system for onboard measurement of the turnout geometry is a breakthrough in the improvement of train operation safety. It allows for detailed measurement at points located densely along the turnouts. It improves the assessment of the turnout condition by cutting time between consecutive measurements and their analysis. By uploading results to the main database it facilitates data handling for use in track and turnouts improvements and repairs.

The company Graw from Poland, responded to this need developing in cooperation with LAP GmbH from Germany and VolkerRail from the Netherlands the self propelled inspection vehicle with optical laser measuring system, equiped also with the Differential Global Position System (DGPS) for precise location of turnouts, track defects and other points of reference.

The TMS system is capable to take measuremenst of track at speed to 100km/h every 3 m, and has the potential to reduce the measuring increment to 0,25 m. Its measuring speed in the turnout zone is 20 km/h with the measuring increment of 3 cm, as required by pertinent regulations. Rail types are automatically recognised, which makes it possible to evaluate their wear. Turnout types are read out from the GeoTEC database, as corresponding to the actual vehicle position.

The system switches automatically from its track- to turnout measurement mode based on GPS reading. All measurement database is stored in the on-borad database , from which it is uploaded to the main Graw GeoTEC database accessible to the maintenance engineers.

(Source: Company)