Description:
A common measurement for quantifying aspects of railroad track geometry is the mid-chord offset (MCO). MCO measurements enable railroads to maintain their track to safe standards that comply with federal regulations. In order to obtain MCO measurements, railroad personnel (as well as federal and state inspectors) use string line measurements to measure right and left rail deviations in both the vertical and lateral plane. Figure 1 shows the typical configuration of an MCO measurement. One end of the string line is placed at a first point, and the second end is placed a distance xaway from the first point. The MCO measurement is taken at the center point of the string line, and the MCO measurement is the distance between the string line and the rail at the center point of the string line. Federal regulations call for the use of 31 foot, 62 foot, and 124 foot string line lengths. At the longer stringer line lengths of 62 feet and 124 feet using a string line is problematic due to the “droop” effect of the string.
This topic solicits proposals for the development of a compact, portable mid-chord offset rail measurement system that leverages advanced technologies to overcome the difficulties of longer chord length string line measurements The system must be lightweight (preferably less than 10 lbs), portable, and include a portable power source that can provide power for at least 10 hours of intermittent use. The system may consist of multiple sub-systems or units; for example, the system might consist of a first sub-system placed at a first point, a second sub-system placed at a second point (64 feet or 124 feet away from the first point), and a third sub-system placed at the center point between the first and second subsystems. The device must be easy to use; preferably system setup and data collection could be performed by a single person.
The scope of research projects for this topic shall include laboratory demonstration of developed technologies.
Expected Phase I Outcomes:
The scope of research projects for this topic shall include laboratory demonstration of developed technologies.
Expected Phase II Outcomes:
Modify the prototype, based on lessons learned in Phase 1. The Phase 2 deliverable should be a prototype that is rugged, portable, and is capable of extended field testing.
