Study on practical application of low-cost train patrol support method for railway track maintenance using a smartphone

Abstract

Although regional railway companies are facing severe business conditions, especially due to the declining birthrate, aging population, and the recent coronavirus pandemic, they need to properly inspect and maintain railway facilities and rolling stock to ensure safe and stable operation of train. In this study, we developed a train patrol support application based on the requirements specified in the "Maintenance and Management Standard for Railway Structures (Track part)", aiming at the practical application of a train patrol support method using a smartphone as a low-cost track condition management method that can be introduced even by regional railway companies. Next, we conducted test measurements using the developed application on the commercial lines of several railway operators, and investigated the utilization of the measurement data, such as acceleration and forward view video, obtained from various angles. As a result, the acceleration data is expected to be effective for train vibration management, and the forward view video data is expected to be effective for understanding track conditions when reviewed at a desk.