In-field implementation of impedance-based structural health monitoring for insulated rail joints

Mohammad I. Albakri*, V. V.N.Sriram Malladi, Americo G. Woolard, Pablo A. Tarazaga

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Track defects are a major safety concern for the railroad industry. Among different track components, insulated rail joints, which are widely used for signaling purposes, are considered a weak link in the railroad track. Several joint-related defects have been identified by the railroad community, including rail wear, torque loss, and joint bar breakage. Current track inspection techniques rely on manual and visual inspection or on specially equipped testing carts, which are costly, timeconsuming, traffic disturbing, and prone to human error. To overcome the aforementioned limitations, the feasibility of utilizing impedance-based structural health monitoring for insulated rail joints is investigated in this work. For this purpose, an insulated joint, provided by Koppers Inc., is instrumented with piezoelectric transducers and assembled with 136 AREA rail plugs. The instrumented joint is then installed and tested at the Facility for Accelerated Service Testing, Transportation Technology Center Inc. The effects of environmental and operating conditions on the measured impedance signatures are investigated through a set of experiments conducted at different temperatures and loading conditions. The capabilities of impedance-based SHM to detect several joint-related damage types are also studied by introducing reversible mechanical defects to different joint components.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationNondestructive Characterization and Monitoring of Advanced Materials, Aerospace, and Civil Infrastructure 2017
EditorsTzu-Yang Yu, H. Felix Wu, Peter J. Shull, Andrew L. Gyekenyesi
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510608238
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017
Externally publishedYes
EventConference on Nondestructive Characterization and Monitoring of Advanced Materials, Aerospace, Civil Infrastructure, and Transportation XI 2017 - Portland, United States
Duration: 26 Mar 201729 Mar 2017

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume10169
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceConference on Nondestructive Characterization and Monitoring of Advanced Materials, Aerospace, Civil Infrastructure, and Transportation XI 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPortland
Period26/03/1729/03/17

Keywords

  • Damage detection
  • Electromechanical impedance
  • Environmental conditions
  • Insulated rail joints
  • Structural health monitoring

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