Staff experience in the development of computer
controlled guidance systems for track resurfacing machines. Experience
involved conceptualising and design of guidance systems between 1985
and 1991. This State Rail Authority of N.S.W project successfully developed
two world leading technologies that were the building blocks for the latest
concepts.
This background has placed Windana Research in a
position to be an information source for European based track and rail
geometry products such as those provided by Esveld Consulting Services and Greenwood
Engineering.
Track geometry condition maintenance programmes encompass a
wide range of remedial techniques. Short wavelength errors such as
corrugations require removal by grinding of the rails. Longer wavelength
errors require repositioning of the complete track panel and repacking of
its ballast support. Localised dips at rail weld require the rails to be
bent straight and the track panel to be repacked. Railprof is an important
tool in providing objective measurement of these geometric errors.
Other errors in the geometry require a more
extensive approach with renewal of the tracks formation, ballast and
drainage. Tools have been developing for all of these techniques, to improve
the quality of the geometry condition produced. Most have involved the
application of microprocessors and electronic control technology. The TEC
measuring trolley is capable of supplementing regular track recording by
providing local track managers with objective data at their
fingertips.
