Maintaining light rail

Description

Dr Adam Bevan, Professor Paul Allen and Professor Jay Jaiswal, of the Institute of Railway Research, take a look at new rail asset management techniques in light-rail systems.

The defining characteristics of light-rail systems – such as embedded and ballasted track formations, small curve radii, steep gradients and frequent station stops – result in a very challenging operating environment. This, coupled with a large variation in route and vehicle characteristics between different networks, an absence of relevant standards and guidance, and limited system availability for maintenance action, means that effective management of the wheel-rail interface becomes a critical topic.