Monitoring of Test Embankments and Catenary Masts: Tackling Weak Load-Bearing Soil Base in the Hyvinkää Project – Väylä, Finland

Published on: Nov 19, 2024

Project Overview

The Hyvinkää test structures are an essential part of the Helsinki-Riihimäki capacity increase project, which is actively managed by the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency (Väylä). Situated in an area with a notoriously weak load-bearing soil base, this project involves the construction of four test embankments along a one-kilometer railway section. These embankments are specifically designed to explore the potential of preloading, which aims to deliver a cost-effective and safer foundation for new tracks.

Preloading has the potential to maintain operational displacements within acceptable limits, based on precise geotechnical calculations. By testing this method, Väylä expects to achieve significant economic benefits for this section of the railway. If successful, the preloading technique could provide a safer, lighter alternative to heavier ground improvement methods.

Monitoring Requirements

Due to the complex challenges of preloading, it is absolutely vital to monitor both the new and existing railway infrastructure for any potential displacements. In particular, the monitoring must focus on the movement of tracks and electrified structures to ensure continued operability. Additionally, continuous monitoring plays a crucial role in verifying the effectiveness of the foundation method while minimizing risks. As preloading often causes shifts in the existing railway and catenary structures, detecting and predicting these movements is key to ensuring safety and enabling effective maintenance planning.

Railmonitor’s TrackBed³⁶⁰ Solution

To meet these demands, Väylä deployed Railmonitor’s TrackBed³⁶⁰ solution, integrating sensors to monitor both the catenary masts and the tracks, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the railway infrastructure. This powerful solution provides real-time data on track displacements and the tilt of the catenary masts, helping to ensure that the structural integrity of the railway is maintained throughout the project.

Furthermore, Railmonitor’s Digital Service Platform features advanced predictive capabilities, enabling stakeholders to foresee potential issues up to seven days in advance (Foresight Lens). This foresight offers Väylä and the project team ample opportunity to take corrective action before any problems impact the railway’s performance.

Implementation and Benefits

The deployment of the TrackBed³⁶⁰ solution, along with catenary mast monitoring, has proven to provide a robust foundation for managing potential risks. Throughout the project, the system delivers the following advantages:

• Real-Time Data: Continuous monitoring offers immediate insights into any structural changes.
• Instant Alarms: Automated alerts are triggered the moment displacement thresholds are surpassed, allowing for swift responses.
• Foresight Lens: Predictive insights empower Väylä to anticipate and prevent issues up to seven days in advance.
• Enhanced Safety: Early detection of track displacement and catenary mast tilt facilitates proactive maintenance, improving overall safety.

Conclusion

Thanks to Railmonitor’s TrackBed³⁶⁰ solution, Väylä has successfully executed comprehensive monitoring of the Hyvinkää test embankments, verifying the effectiveness of preloading as a ground improvement method. The real-time data and predictive capabilities of the solution have played a pivotal role in safeguarding both current and future tracks. This project demonstrates how innovative monitoring solutions actively enhance safety and efficiency in complex rail infrastructure projects.

About Väylä

Väylä, Finland’s national transport infrastructure agency, is tasked with planning, maintaining, and developing the country’s rail, road, and waterway networks. By prioritizing safety, efficiency, and sustainability, Väylä ensures the seamless operation of Finland’s critical transport corridors.