Railway Interchange 2017 Buzz

Engineering Services Technical Presentation: FRA Autonomous Track Geometry Measurement Technology Development – A Success Story (Room Sagamore Ballroom 3-5)

20 Sep 17
9:45 AM - 10:15 AM

Tracks: AREMA Full Program, AREMA Technical Sessions- Engineering Services

Speaker(s): Cameron Stuart, US Department of Transportation/FRA

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has been a strong proponent of the use and advancement of Autonomous Track Geometry Measurement Systems (ATGMS) and related technologies to improve rail safety. Routine use of ATGMS technology increases the availability of track geometry data through higher inspection frequencies, minimizes conflicts between inspections and revenue operations, and reduces life-cycle cost of inspection operations. Realization of each of these benefits will result in improved safety and maintenance planning. FRA’s Office of Research, Development and Technology (ORDT) employed a five-stage program to develop enabling technologies and illustrate the potential benefits and uses of the unmanned inspection practices including procedures and data management practices that result in actionable information. This paper highlights the accomplishments of FRA’s development program and presents a summary of the final stage of FRA’s ATGMS research and development program – demonstration of the technology in typical revenue freight service over volunteer short lines and regional railroads. The paper also highlights FRA’s vision for the future development of ATGMS and other autonomous inspection technologies and their potential role in track inspection and safety assurance.