Algorithm-centered Approach to Improve Track Performance Monitoring with Rail Profile Data

This research develops an algorithm using computer programming based on the needs identified by a thorough literature review of current practice in the rail maintenance industry. The algorithm automates a process that estimates the lateral position of wheel-rail contact and corresponding rail profile radii along rail segments. The algorithm uses measured rail profile data as an input and applies rigid contact theory to model contact between a linear wheel profile and the rail profile. It further computes the lateral contact position and contact radius in an integrated development environment which enables it to provide the results in graphical or numerical form on a profile-by-profile basis as well as summary statistics for each rail segment. This process produces expected results when subjected to validation tests. The validation process examines the rationality and tenability of the algorithm output against a series of expected results using rail profile information from selected segments of a closed loop, captive fleet, North American rail transit property. The algorithm output generally agrees with expected results. This paper details the algorithmic process with two selected scenarios as case studies for validation.