COMPATIBILITY
From gauging assessments to electromagnetic compatibility and vehicle performance analysis, we ensure all stock elements and systems are compatible to deliver optimum performance.
Rail Infrastructure Gauging Assessment
Gauging assessments confirm that a train may operate without coming into physical contact with any of the railway infrastructure, adjacent trains, when operating over the full range of speeds and loading conditions. Gauging assessment normally also considers a platforms’ stepping distance and may be required under a number of circumstances:
- Introduction of new rolling stock
- Transfer of existing stock to new routes
- Changes to existing rolling stock which may impact upon its dynamic behaviour (kinematic envelope) e.g. seating layout
- Changes to the railway infrastructure
Gauging Compatibility
We have experience of carrying out gauging assessments for different vehicle types cross a range of circumstances. With a broad knowledge of routes and vehicle types, we can propose the most practical strategy to demonstrate gauging compatibility.
Whether Absolute, Comparative or Hybrid gauging (a combination of the two approaches), we consider the features of the comparator stock to facilitate a suitable comparison with supporting justification.
Railway Infrastructure Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Studies
The electrically complex railway environment features many systems with the ability to generate and/or be affected by electromagnetic disturbances. A failure in EMC can lead to system breakdowns, unreliability and potential degradation of safety. This affects signalling, radio communications and rolling stock systems.
Because new or changed systems will generally need an EMC study to ensure high levels of reliability and safety, our industry-leading EMC team offers:
- Extensive knowledge and experience of the railway environment
- Experience of developing realistic and effective solutions for EMC problems
- Expertise of qualified engineers with international experience
- Access to multidisciplinary teams with competence across the rail industry
Full services
- EMC management plan preparation
- Safety assurance strategies and plans
- Assessing system compatibility via analysis, calculation, modelling and testing
- Investigating system problems and the impact on railway and non-railway systems
- Assessing the impact of EMC requirements on equipment design and operation
- Specifying and managing EMC testing activities
Vehicle Performance Analysis
Our detailed understanding of vehicle performance allows evaluation of either the factors affecting performance or the impact of a vehicle’s performance. We provide calculations to examine vehicles’ performance either generically, or on specific route sections taking account of gradients, curves and line speed restrictions. This allows a quantitative evaluation of options for vehicle modifications or deployment.
Vehicle performance may need to be considered in detail when trains are introduced to new routes, and when modifications to existing trains include increased load capacity or re-configuration of a unit. In both cases, we consider timetable impact, compatibility with signalling, energy consumption, impact of line voltage changes on performance of electric stock and changes of line speed on station to station times.