Investigation of “Open” Superstructure Tramway Tracks in Budapest

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Vivien Jóvér - , Széchenyi István University (Author)
  • Zoltán Major - , Széchenyi István University (Author)
  • Attila Németh - , Széchenyi István University (Author)
  • Dmytro Kurhan - , Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies (Author)
  • Mykola Petrowitsch Sysyn - , Chair of Planning and Design of Railway Infrastructure (Author)
  • Szabolcs Fischer - , Széchenyi István University (Author)

Abstract

The most important thing nowadays is to use available resources to develop infrastructure as efficiently as possible. In this regard, evaluating the deterioration of tramway tracks is critical from both a technical and an economic viewpoint. In Hungary, seven types of superstructure systems are currently differentiated in the case of tramway transport, but the geometrical deterioration, lifecycle, and lifecycle cost of the tramway tracks are not accurately known. The current study aimed to evaluate and compare the results of track geometry measurements of two different “open” tramway superstructure systems depending on their traffic load and age. The geometry measurements we re executed by TrackScan 4.01 instrument, developed and maintained by a Hungarian developer company called Metalelektro Méréstechnika Ltd. The evaluation of the measurements showed a clear relationship between the traffic load, age, and track deterioration. Based on the results, it can be generally stated, concerning “open” superstructure systems, that regardless of the “open” superstructure system or the level of traffic load, the average value of alignment is decreasing; however, the average value of the longitudinal level is increasing. Furthermore, the deterioration of an older ballasted track with lower traffic is similar to that of a younger ballasted track that has a higher traffic load. Another significant result was that the deterioration of the track gauge parameter in the case of concrete slab tracks is clearly described as the broadening of the track gauge.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number33
Number of pages26
JournalInfrastructures
Volume8
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - 15 Feb 2023
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85148911857

Keywords

Research priority areas of TU Dresden

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • concrete slab track, tramway, traffic load, deterioration, geometrical analysis, ballasted track