01519727

Component

The use of matrix based tactile surface sensor (MBTSS) technology on rough contact surfaces is a unique application of such sensors. Typically the sensors are used to characterize more continuous, and often more uniform loading distributions. Currently, the use of MBTSS, namely the Tekscan Pressure Mapping System is being employed to study the contact pressures at the ballast-tie interface of the railroad track structure. With increased axle loads and tonnage, and reduced maintenance windows, a better understanding of the ballast-tie interface is necessary. Ballast-tie interface pressure distribution data has potential benefits in tie structural modeling and design, ballast degradation modeling, as well as overall track maintenance strategies and planning. The current research explores the use of the Tekscan MBTSS system at the ballast-tie interface. The ballast-tie interface represents a unique loading environment characterized by high point pressures, minimal contact area, and large applied forces. This paper proposes a calibration procedure for the Tekscan sensors specifically tailored for the ballast-tie interface, and other rough, non-uniform surfaces. The calibration procedure is detailed and validation results are presented. Validation tests on both fouled ballast and new ballast indicate a large discrepancy with the results of calibration curves of the proposed calibration method. The Tekscan sensors’ output is highly dependent on the contact surface it reacts against including its contact area, roughness, and shape. Future work to optimize the calibration’s reaction surface is discussed. Currently, the MBTSS system lacks versatility on rough, non-uniform contact surfaces like railroad ballast as contact surface conditions must be known prior to testing in order to obtain an accurate calibration

This paper was sponsored by TRB committee AR050 Railroad Track Structure System Design. Alternate title: Developing a Calibration Method for Tactile Pressure Sensors Applied to Nonuniform, Rough Contact Surfaces: Case Study at Ballast-Tie Interface of Railroad Track

01503729

14-4695

English

16p

2014

Transportation Research Board 93rd Annual Meeting

Digital/other

Figures; References

Ballast (Railroads); Calibration; Case studies; Maintenance of way; Mechanical loads; Railroad ties; Railroad tracks; Sensors; Tactile perception

Maintenance and Preservation; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment; I61: Equipment and Maintenance Methods

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2014 Paper #14-4695

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Jan 27 2014 3:38PM