StressNet™ Data Management & Applications

Problem: A strategically deployed network of Rail Stress Modules provide a continuous output of rail temperature, longitudinal stress, stress free temperature. So how do we 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. The RSM’s 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
• Ensuring contracted track work is performed within specification

This information must be made available to the both the track maintenance worker or contractor as well as key management for decision making at all levels of the railway organization. For this purpose Salient Systems has developed an integrated an easily accessible Data Management System called the StressNet™ .

The StressNet™ Solution: has been developed to provide a Web Browser accessible data management capability to the user. It not only provides a graphical output of rail temperature/force/SFT behavior with time, but also offers several safety and maintenance applications such as buckling hazard detection, rail break repair, SFT readjustment suggestions, and SFT based hot temperature speed restrictions.

The StressNet™ System Applications: contain three software based applications: BUCKLE, SMARTJOINT, and RESTRESS. BUCKLE performs track buckling analysis using the RSM measured SFT, 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. As an example; if the alert is orange or red, slow order or SFT adjustment requirements are recommended. SMARTJOINT evaluates the SFT of an interim rail defect removal or rail break repair via a bolted or welded “plug-joint”. These repairs typically produce a reduced SFT condition. The module can then compute the track's buckling potential and provide an alert on additional SFT readjustment needs. Based on the RSM provided SFT, the RESTRESS module provides an SFT readjustment procedure to make the correct readjustment to target SFT levels and provides a “repair quality index” on the restored SFT. Thus the StressNetTM applications modules offer key safety and maintenance applications geared to buckling hazard detection, rail break/defect repair SFT readjustment, and SFT based speed restrictions.