Research in progress
Identifying the right technologies for predictable and reliable brakingEncouraging uptake of remote sensors on the railwayReliable network access for heavily loaded freight wagonsSafe, transparent decisions about medical fitnessShould we have a national set of train crew knowledge codes?
We are developing a standardised low-adhesion ‘obstacle course’ to assess and compare mitigations.
Over time, RSSB and other organisations have developed new ways to combat low wheel/rail adhesion. The aim is to reduce the risk, cost, and disruption that low-adhesion conditions cause to the railway.
However, industry lacks guidance to carry out robust technical and economic assessments of these solutions. This hinders take-up, favouring existing measures (even when these are costly and not necessarily effective). It is also difficult to identify the most effective mix of solutions.
The project will develop a technical adhesion-management framework, setting performance targets for different types of lines. The framework will allow a big-picture view of engineering and operational mitigations on a representative set of lines. It will help the industry assess (new) solutions and support a more strategic approach to their deployment.
This project is helping address Recommendation 9 of the RAIB investigation into the collision at Salisbury Tunnel Junction, Wiltshire, on 31 October 2021. The recommendation was ‘for industry to realise the potential benefits of future technologies to enable trains to better cope with low wheel/rail adhesion when braking’.
The comprehensive framework will bring benefits across the industry. It could be used by:
ROSCOs and operators to assess how to improve the braking performance of their fleets
infrastructure managers to characterise typical railhead conditions and assess their contribution to reliable braking
suppliers to demonstrate the performance of their equipment.
Stay up to date with the project at rssb.co.uk/research-catalogue/CatalogueItem/T1341.
To find out more about this project, or to discuss joining the steering group, contact Paul Gray, Professional Lead, Engineering:
Paul.Gray@rssb.co.uk
Guidance will help engineers procure, install, and use Internet of Things sensors, unlocking customer and performance benefits.
Internet of Things (IoT) sensors measure physical conditions such as temperature, humidity, or pressure and wirelessly transfer the data to external servers. The sensors are inexpensive, and the collected data can be used in real time to inform decisions and automate processes.
In older rolling stock, IoT sensor technology offers an inexpensive way to unlock modern features without significant engineering change. IoT sensors have the potential to improve:
customer experience, such as automating climate control to increase passenger comfort
sustainability, such as setting equipment to a low-power mode to save energy
safety and reliability, such as detecting and predicting faults to better inform and target maintenance, decreasing the likelihood of equipment failing.
However, identifying sensor requirements, adhering to railway standards, and installing sensors onto rolling stock can be challenging. IoT sensor uptake is low across the industry. Rolling stock owners and operators are missing out on the benefits that IoT sensors can unlock.
Our research will provide engineers with guidance to procure, install, use, and maintain IoT sensors, with the aim of increasing uptake. The project will review, and aims to minimise, rail-specific requirements for IoT sensors.
The project will also identify technical requirements for engineers to consider during sensor applications. We aim to reduce the complexity of the implementation process and help engineers navigate it.
Stay up to date with the research at rssb.co.uk/research-catalogue/CatalogueItem/T1330.
To discuss joining the steering group for this project, contact Tom Preece, Research Analyst:
Tom.Preece@rssb.co.uk
A new model will help operators predict whether routes are likely to close to heavy axle weight services.
On many parts of the GB network, freight services with heavy axle weights (RA9 and RA10) need specific dispensation from the infrastructure manager in order to run. The infrastructure manager can impose speed restrictions or withdraw dispensation at any time and without notice. They may do so if they judge that assets are at risk from the heaviest trains.
For freight operators and customers, this uncertainty inhibits investment. It reduces business confidence that existing services will be able to continue or that new ones are feasible.
Working with the University of Southampton and Network Rail, we are developing an infrastructure model to map rail assets and predict their continued availability to heavier freight. The model will bring a scientific approach to the impacts of heavy axle weight services on rail infrastructure.
We aim to give freight operators and customers more certainty on access to routes, allowing confident business planning. This will also guide investment decisions on infrastructure enhancements to help the freight sector grow.
The poor condition of masonry and metallic bridges significantly influences the industry’s ability to run heavy axle weight services. For that reason, the first iteration of the model will focus on these asset types. It will later be expanded to include cuttings and embankments.
Keep up to date with the project at rssb.co.uk/research-catalogue/CatalogueItem/T1300.
We are working with stakeholders to ensure that the freight industry gains maximum value from the model’s capabilities. We also want to make sure that it will integrate smoothly into existing systems and processes. We welcome further engagement from operators, infrastructure managers, and suppliers. For more information, contact Andy Zhang, Research Analyst:
Andy.Zhang@rssb.co.uk
New guidance for occupational health and safety managers.
The safe functioning of the railway relies on its frontline workers being able to carry out tasks. Medical fitness requirements are laid down in the regulations, such as The Train Driving Licences and Certificates Regulations 2010. They specify that train drivers and other safety-critical workers must not be suffering from medical conditions or taking medication likely to cause sudden incapacitation.
Safety managers and occupational health specialists have limited resources to support the interpretation of ‘likely to cause’. Our research aims to provide evidence-based guidance and a set of case studies. This will help them take a consistent, risk-based, and transparent approach to medical standards.
So far, we have developed a proof-of-concept framework for train drivers and tested it against three health conditions. Workshops with representatives from across the industry helped tailor this initial framework. We are now testing its applicability to other safety-critical workers.
Keep up to date with the project at rssb.co.uk/research-catalogue/CatalogueItem/T1324.
To discuss joining future workshops or sharing your views on the framework and medical assessment criteria, contact Clare Forshaw, Professional Head of Health and Wellbeing:
Clare.Forshaw@rssb.co.uk
Research into the costs and benefits of standardisation.
Train drivers and other crew need to be familiar with the specific routes they operate on, including speed limits, signals, and potential hazards.
To map and manage this route knowledge, railway companies use train crew route knowledge codes. These codes are typically a combination of letters and numbers that represent specific routes and sections of the network. The codes are used in monitoring competency, train planning, and managing disruption.
Currently, these codes are not standardised. Different approaches and levels of granularity are used, both between and within operators.
This project will look at whether standardising the codes would add value by simplifying industry processes for train planning and disruption management. We will also look at the one-off and operational costs associated with such a change.
If we find that standardising route knowledge codes is feasible and delivers efficiencies, the next step will be to design and agree an approach and embed it into rail standards.
Keep up to date with the project at rssb.co.uk/research-catalogue/CatalogueItem/T1339.
To discuss the project, contact Liz Davies, Professional Lead, Data and Modelling:
Liz.Davies@rssb.co.uk
