The Heavy Haul Working Group is one of three groups designed to ensure that all ACRI participants influence ACRI’s research direction and strategic outcomes. Group members are either providers of heavy haul rail services or manage heavy haul rail to bring their products to market, with mining operators an example of the latter. Group members offer research ideas and endorse project proposals, research milestones and final outputs, with a focus to continually improve the efficiency and safety of heavy haul operations. Working Group members are nominated by ACRI participant bodies and meet remotely, chaired by ACRI.
Click on the project name for more information…
Research in-development:
- Improved Track Inspection using UAV Technology
- Gauge Corner Lubrication and TOR Friction Management
- Smart Rail Profile and Tribo Characteristics Measurement System
- Wear Simulation Development
- On-Board Ballast Stiffness Monitoring
- Improving Efficiency of Head Hardening Process in flash butt welding and Integrated Heat Transfer Phase Transformation Model for Real Time Assessment
- On-board Low Cost Derailment Warning System
- Fit for Purpose Condition Monitoring – Mechanised Inspection
Research in-delivery:
- Evaluating infrared imaging and laser ultrasonics as detectors of rail foot flaws
- Readying industry for the implementation of new technologies in broken rail detection
- Quantifying the impact on track maintenance of high traction locomotives
- Mud Pumping in Heavy Haul Railroads – Assessment & Control
- Investigating inertial dynamics associated with chord based track geometry measurements
- Developing methodology for concrete sleeper life prediction
- Evaluating suitability of Marvin for loco mounted rail condition monitoring – field trials
- Combined track geometry irregularities including cyclic faults
- Limits for load distribution for an individual wagon and a consist of loaded wagons
Research completed:
- Moving vehicle rail foot flaw detection – initial project
- Broken rail detection without IRJ’s – initial project
- Track structures vs train dynamic & load effects – initial project
- Permanent way condition monitoring inspection best practice
- Empty train aerodynamic improvements
- End of Train devices – initial project
- Developing a field tested and operational End of Train device prototype
- Evaluating suitability of Marvin for loco mounted rail condition monitoring
- Near Misses in remote locations: Investigating rail level crossing incidents in the Pilbara
- Improving understanding of incident causation and risk mitigation at remote level crossings
- Developing process recommendations for effective flash butt welding on a range of premium rail types
- Assessing suitability of drones for heavy haul track inspection
Click the links below to view other research programs:
- Level Crossing Research Program
- Passenger Operations Research Program
- Freight Operations
- Partnered Research