Project Organisation
|
INNOTRACK is a very large project aiming to cover every aspect
of track systems from conception of track components
to operations and maintenance.
The work has been divided into thematical sub-projects,
which are divided into workpackages.
Click on the thumbnail to enlarge the project structure:
| |
|
Sub-Projects & Workpackages
Click on the titles to access Workpackages definitions.
 |
The consortium management will be performed in the SP0 Project Management.
UIC will execute the overall Project Co-ordination function and has already made preparations to second a senior executive manager in the Track & Civil Engineering field, from one its Members, BV, to undertake the role of Project Manager. The Project Manager will be supported within UIC at the highest level of the organisation. UIC will also be strongly supported by an experienced Consultant, ARTTIC, who is executing similar roles successfully in other European Projects.
|
|
Expected Results:
- Identification of the key vehicle and track characteristics that account for a high proportion
of infrastructure renewal and maintenance costs in participating countries
- A generic model for predicting present and future failure and degradation rates for the
range of vehicle and track parameters encountered and a process for the verification of
technical solutions developed to overcome problem conditions
Workpackages:
- WP1.1 - Vehicle characteristics
- WP1.2 - Track characteristics
- WP1.3 - Determining forces & stresses in track
- WP1.4 - Information management framework
|
|
Expected Results:
- Development of innovative measurement tools, techniques and methodologies for track
subgrade monitoring and assessment
- Methodology for the evaluation of innovative subgrade retrofitting solutions based on
numerical and physical modelling
- Development and implementation of several subgrade improvement methods allowing for
limited traffic interruption and privileged recourse to local materials
- Methodology for the evaluation of innovative superstructure design for both ballasted
and slab tracks, based on numerical and physical modelling
- Development and implementation tests of several superstructure innovations to decrease
costs for track laying and maintenance
- A new consistently supported track form incorporating innovative sensor technology and
degradation logic to provide self-monitoring capability.
Workpackages:
- WP2.1 - Track bed quality assessment
- WP2.2 - Subgrade improvement methods
- WP2.3 - Superstructure improvements
|
|
Expected Results:
- An innovative predictive model for switch dynamics and deterioration that enables
physically based assessment of varying operational and S&C conditions, including prediction
of the effect of increased axle loads
- New and innovative switch designs to handle increased axle loads and to decrease
maintenance
- Prediction of the effect of increased axle loads or other changes of traffic on switches and
crossings in forms of: increased dynamic load magnitudes, increased wear and increased
RCF.
- Open standards for interlocking interfaces of DLD’s and monitoring systems.
- Guidelines for the selection of rail steel grades, types of crossings and associated
installation and for maintenance procedures and technologies for selected duty
conditions
- Recommendations for the application of innovative DLD and monitoring systems for
selected duty conditions
- Sensitivity analysis of LCC for S&C in networks
Workpackages:
- WP3.1 - Switches and Crossings
- WP3.2 - Driving and Locking Devices (DLD)
- WP3.3 - Monitoring systems
|
|
Expected Results:
- An agreed methodology for determining duty conditions experienced on various stretches
of a track so as to enable an informed selection of existing and new innovative products and
processes based on the knowledge of their performance under differing conditions.
- Definitive guidelines for the use of the full range of rail steel grades including premium
grades for both plain line track and S&C applications based on technical performance and
LCC considerations.
- Rail steel material property tests that more closely reflect the materials’ in-service
performance and thereby enable a mechanistic understanding of rail degradation.
- “Minimum Action” rules, based on problem oriented application of fracture mechanics
principles, to enable a move to predictive maintenance for rail defect management.
- A predictive methodology for determining the frequency of grinding using technology
such as high speed grinding and the minimum amount metal to be removed to maintain a
“crack-free” rail, increase track availability, and reduce LCC.
- A narrow heat affected zone flash-butt weld to minimise differential wear between the weld
and parent rail and the associated consequences for track quality degradation. A gas pressure
welding methodology optimised for European rail sections and operational conditions as a
solid phase welding alternative to in-track alumino-thermic welds.
Workpackages:
- WP4.1 - Study of degradation of actual and new rail steels and joints.
- WP4.2 - Validation of tolerances and limits for rails and joints.
- WP4.3 - Innovative laboratory tests of rail steels and joints
- WP4.4 - Innovative inspection techniques
- WP4.5 - Innovative maintenance processes.
- WP4.6 - Innovative welding processes.
|
|
Expected Results:
- Identification of best technical and commercial logistics practices used on European
Railway Networks and collation of experiences accumulated by all IMs
- A new approach relative to logistics processes, validated by IMs, for track construction or
maintenance & renewals projects by incorporating the final results of the last design
development proposed by SP2, SP3 and SP4
- Definition of innovative and cost effective methodologies taking into account the
constraints of Railway Networks (possessions) in order to reduce LCC
Workpackages:
- WP5.1 - Review of existing methods
- WP5.2 - Design of validation procedures
- WP5.3 - Logistics and Support
- WP5.4 - Logistics and Switches & Crossings (S&C)
- WP5.5 - Logistics and Rail
|
|
Expected Results:
After drawing together a common European specification regarding availability, maintainability and
LCC, INNOTRACK will ensure that the project results from the separate areas are integrated into an
overall, coherent package of measures that will achieve the required 30% reduction in LCC.
On a European level, the INNOTRACK project will provide;
- Internationally accepted LCC methodology – fundamental for economic assessment of
technical solution for European problems
- RAMS technology – a recognised management and engineering discipline for the purpose of
guaranteeing the specified functionality of a product over its complete lifecycle
- European cost matrix including national costs due to national standards – relevant for
international comparisons of LCC and for economic assessment of technical innovation
- LCC models for track components on different level of details – relevant for LCC analysis
and economic optimization
Workpackages:
- WP6.1 - State of the art
- WP6.2 - LCC - methodology
- WP6.3 - RAMS - Technology
- WP6.4 - RAMS and LCC in contracts/wordings/policies
- WP6.5 - LCC and RAMS - analysis
|
|
Expected Results:
SP7 is vital for the overall project. Widespread dissemination of the project results assures sector
acceptance and implementation of these results. It is also vital to promote the project involving the
various recipients, the project’s partners to exchange knowledge, the experts to assure sector
acceptance, the Commission to furnish deliverables and general public to be informed.
This subproject is organised and managed to assure awareness and implementation of results to all
stakeholders inside and outside the consortium and liaise with the IP for light rail. Implementation of
results is the ultimate goal.
The prime objective of Dissemination Platform is to assure the circulation of the project results for
inter-operable, safe and cost efficient track in migration with existing infrastructure, axed in Networks
of IMs and Industry.
The prime objective of Training Platform is to provide coherent training programmes in order to
assure the long term availability of skilled and trained workforce for implementation of INNOTRACK
results.
The prime objective of Technical Review and Standardisation Platform is to advice and review on
all main project deliverables in order to assure the overall acceptance of proposed innovative solutions
and consequentially the viability of the implementation and the adoption of new standards.
Workpackages:
- WP7.1 - Dissemination Platform
- WP7.2 - Training Platform
- WP7.3 - Technical Review and Standardisation Platform
|
|
|
