Rail experts demonstrate benefit of freight research

This has been achieved, they say, by undertaking research that impacts rail users and railway companies looking to combine efficiency gains with the highest safety standard.

One such example is the research it undertook on freight wagon defects. Network Rail has Wheel Impact Load Detectors (WILD) across its network to identify flat spots and damage on wheels. WILD data was utilised by IRR researchers, along with numerical modelling, to detect and monitor offset loads or suspension faults on wagons. 

The result was the ability to identify positive correlations for vehicle bogie frame twist and spring conditions, so faulty wagons could be removed from service for maintenance where they otherwise would have continued in operation for some time before faults were recognised. 

Early trials successfully spotted a number of wagons with suspension defects, and following this success, RSSB is incorporating this analysis into its Freight Condition-Based Maintenance support tool. The tool is in development and will give operators and maintainers an overview of their fleet alongside the conditions of individual vehicles over time. 

The partnership also covered train overspeeding, where train movement data readily available from signalling systems was used to develop methods for detecting overspeeding across the network. Results showed this data can effectively identify instances where an average train’s speeds exceed designated limits for signalling berths. 

Alexandra Herdman, Senior Policy Manager at Logistics UK, said: "The logistics sector must work together to promote rail freight adoption among businesses, invest in modern facilities and leverage data technology, to demonstrate a forward-thinking approach. 

“This partnership demonstrates the importance of putting both industry and academic heads together, to solve widespread issues that the rail industry faces. 

“By working together collaboratively, and utilising data sources and information provided by industry, challenges that may have proved pervasive can be addressed.”