Introduction

Aarhus Letbane I/S  (light Rail) opened its first light rail line in 2017, following five years of construction. Since then, the system has expanded with several new rail lines and continues to develop and grow.

Challenge: Managing Unstable Railway Embankments

Unstable railway embankments are a common challenge for many rail and light rail operators. On sections of an existing line converted from heavy rail, Aarhus Letbane faced issues with an unstable embankment. This instability led to minor settlements in the railway substructure. Although these settlements had not yet caused failures, close monitoring was essential to manage potential risks.

The embankment was particularly vulnerable due to high levels of silt in the soil. Prolonged wet weather in late 2019 and early 2020 further exacerbated the issue, as silt is a loosely bound sandy soil that struggles to maintain stability after heavy rain. Continuous monitoring of the embankment was more crucial than ever.

Solution: Real-Time Monitoring with TrackBed³⁶⁰

Aarhus Letbane’s top priority is to ensure the safety of passengers and staff while maintaining punctuality. They needed a monitoring solution that would not disrupt the operation of the line. After evaluating market options, Aarhus Letbane chose to implement Railmonitor’s TrackBed³⁶⁰ solution.

TrackBed³⁶⁰ can be customized to address specific needs, such as monitoring movements caused by an unstable embankment. Data from these sensors is automatically delivered to Railmonitor’s software platform, the Digital Service Platform. This solution provided Aarhus Letbane with real-time data on the track’s condition. The system could detect even the slightest signs of settlements and automatically alert relevant project managers if any movements exceeded pre-set limits.

Results: Enhanced Safety and Predictive Maintenance

With TrackBed³⁶⁰, Aarhus Letbane gained a comprehensive view of the embankment’s behavior, enabling them to ensure the safety and reliability of their light rail system. Real-time monitoring allowed for immediate detection of any changes, reducing the risk of unexpected failures. By utilizing Railmomitor’s software, Aarhus Letbane now had acces to data turned into actionable insights, allowing them to predict and plan their maintenance strategy effectively. This proactive approach supported Aarhus Letbane’s goal of maintaining on-time service and safeguarding passengers and staff.

About Aarhus Letbane

Aarhus Letbane I/S represents the first stage of a light rail network designed to connect cities and districts in the Aarhus area more closely. As Denmark’s first light rail system, Aarhus Letbane continues to innovate and expand its infrastructure to meet the growing demands of its region.