Project Introduction

In the realm of modern rail infrastructure, Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) embarked on a transformative journey a decade ago. Partnering with SCZ, ÖBB sought to develop High-Performance Auxiliary Bridges (HHB) that met stringent Eurocode regulations. This endeavor was critical for advancing the construction of high-speed train lines and enhancing the railway network’s efficiency.

Challenges in Bridge Design and Resonance Mitigation

The primary challenge in this ambitious project was designing lightweight auxiliary bridges that could withstand the high dynamic loads of high-speed trains. When train speeds surpassed 120 km/h, resonance issues arose, posing a significant obstacle to ÖBB’s objective of reaching 160 km/h within construction zones. This challenge demanded innovative solutions to ensure the stability and safety of these rail bridges.

Innovative Solution: Tuned Mass Dampers

ÖBB and SCZ introduced Vibration Dampers, known as Tuned Mass Dampers (TMD), as a groundbreaking solution. The initial implementation took place on the HHB 265, named after its 26.5-meter length, at ÖBB’s bridge facility in St. Pölten – Wörth. Extensive testing, including the use of AIT shakers to simulate dynamic stresses, validated the effectiveness of these dampers.

Expanding TMD Technology

Following successful trials on the western railway line near Vöcklabruck, the TMD technology, developed in collaboration with Mauer AG, was expanded to other spans. This technological advancement represented a significant leap in the construction and operation of rail bridges.

Monitoring the Bridge Transformation

By 2021, ÖBB’s vision materialized with the installation of two HHB 265 bridges during the Rum station conversion in Tyrol. This project marked the beginning of a new era in railway infrastructure monitoring. A comprehensive range of monitoring systems, including acceleration, settlement, and inclination measurements, was implemented to ensure the integrity of the rail bridges and tracks.

The Challenges of Continuous Observation

The true test lay in the continuous long-term observation of bridge behavior and the dynamic recording of train crossings. The monitoring system needed to detect local depressions (blind suttas) caused by train passage and withstand all weather conditions. Rapid installation was crucial to minimize disruptions to railway operations.

Achieving High-Speed Milestones

Between April and June 2022, ÖBB achieved a groundbreaking milestone by incrementally increasing driving speeds during nighttime operations. For the first time in Europe, trains reached speeds of 160 km/h over temporary auxiliary bridges under continuous monitoring. This achievement was the result of close collaboration between ÖBB departments and external partners.

Project Solution: Advanced Track and Auxiliary Bridge Monitoring

The cornerstone of this success was Railmonitor’s TrackBed³⁶⁰ solution. This tailor-made monitoring system provided ÖBB with the capability to conduct inclination measurements and meticulously track blind drop phenomena through advanced acceleration sensors.

A critical component of TrackBed³⁶⁰ is the Digital Service Platform, which offers real-time data access with updates every 5 minutes. This platform enabled ÖBB to monitor train speeds of 160 km/h over the auxiliary bridge at the Rum station conversion site. It ensured comprehensive documentation of monitoring activities and sent instant alerts for any detected deviations, allowing for immediate corrective actions.

Conclusion

ÖBB’s collaboration with Railmonitor not only redefined its ability to operate high-speed trains within construction zones but also set a foundation for future innovations in railway infrastructure. The successful implementation of advanced monitoring systems on auxiliary bridges underscores ÖBB’s pioneering spirit and commitment to safety and efficiency. This case stands as a testament to the transformative impact of innovative rail bridge solutions in high-speed train operations.