Implementation of a Model-Oriented Approach for Supporting Safe Integration of GNSS-Based Virtual Balises in ERTMS/ETCS Level 3

Abstract

Moving Block is a railway signaling concept that paves the way for increasing line capacity while reducing maintenance and operating costs. Its implementation relies on autonomous solutions for train localization, mainly based on GNSS technology. However, the introduction of such technological innovations leads to the emergence of new risks. These risks need to be investigated meticulously, and some confidence level needs to be assigned to GNSS-based localization solutions in railways while considering various settings. The contribution of this paper falls within this context by bringing formal approaches into play in order to evaluate performance and safety properties related to the use of GNSS-based virtual balises for train localization. Specifically, the adopted model-based approach consists in translating the relevant behavior of the localization system through configurable timed and probabilistic automata. The elaborated models being parameterizable, various test scenarios, considering a wide range of configurations, can be investigated. Quantitative and qualitative analysis results can be generated on the basis of our models by means of statistical model-checking algorithms implemented in the UPPAAL-SMC modeling and verification tool. A case study is used to illustrate the application of the presented approach, and various numerical analysis results are provided. As the present contribution implements a model-driven approach to perform safety analysis in railways, it is fully in line with the increasing willingness to reduce recourse to on-site tests in the sector. Such tests are indeed costly and time-consuming, thus jeopardizing the introduction of technical innovations in railways.

Keywords

• ERTMS/ETCS L3
• fixed virtual block
• formal model
• GNSS-based localization
• moving block
• railway safety