Investigation of the Geometrical Deterioration of Paved Superstructure Tramway Tracks in Budapest (Hungary)

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Mykola Petrowitsch Sysyn - , Chair of Planning and Design of Railway Infrastructure (Author)
  • 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)
  • Szabolcs Fischer - , Széchenyi István University (Author)

Abstract

In the 21st century, one of the key requirements is to develop and maintain our infrastructure facilities most efficiently using the available resources. Tramways are of significant national economic importance and represent an important national asset. There are currently seven different types of superstructure systems in Hungary, based on the national regulations and the related requirements currently in force. This paper compares the paved tramway superstructure systems in the context of track geometry, through-rolled axle tons of track, and the age of track sections. Paved tracks have many benefits, but the main ones are easier maintenance and road traffic use. Elastically supported continuous rail bedding (ESCRB; in Hungary, this is known as “RAFS”) and “large” slab superstructure systems are used to create paved superstructure systems. Road crossings use the latter systems, while heavily loaded lines use several ESCRB systems. This article examines the geometrical changes in several ESCRB superstructure systems. A TrackScan 4.01 instrument was used to take measurements in June and September 2021 and in April 2022, September 2022, and May 2023. Track gauge, alignment, and longitudinal level are examined. Regardless of the ESCRB superstructure system or age, a medium-loaded line’s track gauge trendline increases, which means that the track gauge is widening and, regardless of traffic load or age, the average longitudinal level is constantly increasing from year to year. When it is a medium-loaded line, the average value of alignment increases slightly, and the trendline is almost straight, but it decreases when it is an extremely heavily loaded line. The authors will analyze how the reference track section will change in the future. Based on the results, it is important to assess how subsequent measurements affect the trend lines. Because the data evaluations show similar results, comparing open tramway tracks to paved ones is crucial. © 2023 by the authors.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number126
JournalInfrastructures
VolumeVolume 8, Issue 8
Issue numberAugust 2023
Publication statusPublished - 2023
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85169092911

Keywords

Research priority areas of TU Dresden

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • ESCRB, RAFS, TrackScan 4.0, deterioration, geometrical analysis, paved track, traffic load, tramway