Development of track components condition evaluation system using forward view image from train cab

Abstract

Maintenance work on railways, such as track maintenance and inspection and the maintenance of ledgers, is generally carried out by engineers on site, placing a heavy burden on the maintenance site. Against this background, systems have been developed to determine the degree of deterioration of wooden sleepers. In this study, we developed a track component identification model to identify various types of sleepers and rail fastenings, with the aim of centrally assessing the condition of track components. In addition, we developed kilometreage correction method to improve the accuracy of kilometreage estimation by utilising depots used to correct the position of track inspection car data. Furthermore, we developed ‘track components condition evaluation system’ by introducing these methods into the previously developed wooden sleeper deterioration evaluation system and proposed an efficient track member management method utilising this system.