 |
 |
Problem: the strategically deployed network of proprietary Rail Stress Modules provide a continuous output of the
rail's longitudinal stress, neutral temperature and rail temperature. However, how to make this data available to the rail
operator for optimal use? For this purpose, Salient Systems provides a data management capability that presents the data
in an easily accessible and usable format to the user. Additionally, since the RSM collected data is intended for several
safety and performance applications, including:
- Alerting on potential buckling hazards
- Providing hot weather slow order requirements
- Maintenance tool for improved rail break/defect repair RNT readjustment
These applications must also be made available to the user. For this purpose Salient Systems has developed an
integrated an easily accessible Data Management System called the StressNet™ .
The StressNet™ Solution: the StressNet™ system has been developed to provide a Web Browser accessible
data management capability to the user. It not only provides a graphical output of rail force/RNT behavior with
time, but offers several safety and maintenance applications geared to buckling hazard detection, rail break
repair RNT readjustment and RNT based hot temperature slow-orders.
The StressNet™ System Applications: the Applications modules contain three software based applications:
BUCKLE, SMARTJOINT, and RESTRESS. BUCKLE performs track buckling analysis using the RSM measured RNT, and simple user
input track parameters. The output is a Buckling Margin of Safety based green, yellow, orange or red HAZARD ALERT
signifying varying levels of danger. If the alert is orange or red, slow order or RNT adjustment requirements are
called for. SMARTJOINT evaluates the RNT of an interim rail defect removal or rail break repair via a bolted or welded
“plug-joint”. These repairs typically produce a reduced RNT condition, and the module computes the track’s buckling
potential and provides an alert on additional RNT readjustment needs. Based on the RSM provided RNT, the RESTRESS
module provides an RNT readjustment procedure to make the correct readjustment to target RNT levels, and provides
a “repair quality” index on the restored RNT. Thus the StressNetTM Applications modules offer key safety and maintenance
applications geared to buckling hazard detection, rail break/defect repair RNT readjustment, and RNT based hot
temperature slow-orders.
|
|
