The introduction of axle counters in the UK

In the UK, there has recently been a more widespread use of axle counters as a direct replacement for track circuits due to the perceived whole-life cost of ownership benefit. This paper discusses the ongoing process in the UK, including: the process for safety approval; the management of reset and restoration; the mitigation of risks associated with the replacement of track circuits with axle counters (such as loss of broken rail detection); and the need for changes to the processes associated with managing engineering work. The key conclusions of this paper are that the process by which axle counters have been introduced in the UK has successfully ensured that risks have been managed to a level that is equal to or lower than the equivalent risks with the fitment of track circuits. However, it is still too early to be sure that the expected benefits in whole-life cost of ownership will be fully realised, given the costs associated with the requirements for the risk management activities outlined in this paper.

• Record URL:
  http://railknowledgebank.com/Presto/content/Detail.aspx?q=IlRoZSBpbnRyb2R1Y3Rpb24gb2YgYXhsZSBjb3VudGVycyBpbiB0aGUgVUsi&ctID=MTk4MTRjNDUtNWQ0My00OTBmLTllYWUtZWFjM2U2OTE0ZDY3&rID=MTg3Mw==&qcf=&ph=VHJ1ZQ==&bckToL=VHJ1ZQ==&
• Authors:
  • Lemon S
• Conference:
  • AusRAIL PLUS 2009, 17-19 November 2009, Adelaide, South Australia
• Publication Date: 2009

Media Info

• Pagination: 6p.
• Monograph Title: AusRAIL PLUS 2009, doing more with less, 17-19 November 2009, Adelaide, South Australia

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Axles; Maintenance management; Railroad rails; Risk management
• ATRI Terms: Axle; Maintenance management; Railway track; Risk management
• Subject Areas: Maintenance and Preservation; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01516947
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ATRI
• Created Date: Mar 4 2014 8:00PM