Application of laser scanning technology for structure gauge measurement

Abstract

One of the basic conditions guaranteeing safe and collision-free operation of rail vehicles is maintaining the structure gauge. Verification of the location of rail infrastructure components is carried out using various measurement techniques. This article describes the accuracy of the gauge measurement with the use of a scanning tachymeter. Tachymetric measurements and laser scanning technology were used in the experimental study of the tram loop area. The analysis covered the possibility of using a point cloud to determine geometrical relationships among the track, traction poles and the overhead line. The quality of the laser scanning data in terms of the measurement frequency, the laser beam angle of incidence per object and the average reflection intensity was examined. Performed verification was based on the data from tachymetric measurements. In the tested area, the track consists of straight sections and several circular arcs of small radii and variable curvature. The specific geometry of the track required calculation of the gauge extension parameters depending on the curve radius. In addition, a horizontal track alignment design was prepared. The designed location of the track and extended dimensions of the structure gauge were used to verify the correct spatial position of the current track in relation to the infrastructure elements.

Keywords

• laser scanning
• scanning tachymeter
• building gauge
• overhead contact line
• tramway loop
• extension of building gauge on curve
• track axis adjustment