No abstract

The article examines the superstructures of the tramway tracks of tramway line No. 1 in Budapest (the capital of Hungary). Since the first appearance of tramways, several technological advancements have been made to serve passenger needs as efficiently as possible. Several types of tramway track superstructure systems can be differentiated, which are implemented differently in each project. Furthermore, these superstructure types have different degradation times (both geometrical and structural), which depend on several factors. Nowadays, visual inspections are no longer considered sufficient in monitoring the tracks’ condition and deterioration, thus it is necessary to consider examinations carried out using the sensors mounted on the vehicles. Adopting appropriate methods, the measured data can be modeled and the life cycle of superstructures and structural elements can be determined as a result of sufficiently long-term studies (i.e., life cycle costs, the whole lifetime, etc.). First, the authors present a review of the relevant international literature, after that they conduct analysis of track geometry parameters of the superstructures related to five sections on the investigated tramway line based on the results of the measurements performed for three consecutive years between 2019 and 2021. The analyses consist primarily in statistical examination of the measured and calculated parameters.

Purpose. The authors’ aim is to demonstrate their results of analysis of deterioration of tramway tracks’ geometry. Methodology. This article is a start of a PhD research. At first, the superstructure systems and the used instrument were summarized, after that the examination of running track, tramway stops, crossings and turnouts. Findings. The authors examined separately the running track, tramway stops, level crossings and turnouts. In case of examination of running track, we evaluated the measurement results according to two methods. To clarify the superstructure systems’ deterioration factor the authors had to do further measurements on other tramway lines too. Originality. The fulfilled analysis is the first step to the complex method that can consider and determine the optimisation of life-cycle costs of tramway superstructures. For this goal a lot of parameters, factors have to be taken into consideration in the future. There are available methods and models for different civil engineering areas, e.g. there is very complex methodology related to road pavements, but there is no special one related neither to railway tracks, nor tramway tracks. Practical value. The authors tried to construct a calculation and evaluation method that can assess the examined 6 different tramway superstructure types on the tramway line No. 1 in Hungarian capital (Budapest). It is a very new reconstructed tramway line that is the second longest one in Budapest. The authors showed which type of superstructure system is the «best» and the «worst» based on own made measurements and calculation-evaluation methods. The next aim of the authors is to start a PhD research in the Multidisciplinary Doctoral School at Szechenyi Istvan University (Győr, Hungary) with the continuation of this topic.

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.

Purpose. Investigate and establish the relationship between track geometry measurements and weather conditions to determine the parameters that influence the lifetime of railway tracks’ superstructure system. The study of ballasted beds of railway tracks is very important for operation and maintenance in case of main lines, industrial sidings and mine transport. Methodology. Determination of the annual load of the selected section based on the regulations. Compari of the track parameters measurements made by TrackScan 4.01 instrument in different seasons and temperatures. Among the parameters measured by the instrument, the track gauge, alignment, longitudinal level, and superelevation parameters are considered and analyzed in this article.Since the main lines’ traffic are permanently loaded with passenger and freight transport and the industrial sidings and mine tracks are used in the production process, the examinations can only be done on tramway tracks during the standstills at night. The results of these measurement on tramway tracks can help to understand the identify of railway tracks’ lifetime and can be used in mainlines, industrial and mining railway tracks. Findings. The change in the average values of selected track geometrical parameters is analyzed, considering the typical weather conditions. Based on the measurement and results, there is an evident connection between the evaluated results of track geometry measurements and the change in weather conditions. Originality. Finding the relationship between changes in track geometry values and weather conditions on the basis of an evaluation of track geometry measurements taken on average every third month. Practical value. The results can then be used as input data for determining the service life of the track superstructure in the case of tramways, mainlines, industrial and mining railway tracks.