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Major Results of Research and Development in Fiscal 2020

This publication is a collection of the major results obtained from research undertaken by the Japanese public body, the Railway Technology Research Institute, in 2020.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all JR companies in particular and all the research centers, universities, industrial partners and other entities which have offered their cooperation, commitment and support to achieve these results and without whom none of this work would have been possible.

Ⅰ. Improvement of Safety

1. Seismic reinforcement method for masonry embankment type train platforms

  • A method for seismic reinforcement of masonry embankment type train platforms using polyurea resin and soil nails has been developed.
  • A reinforcement design method based on the yield seismic horizontal coefficient and a nomogram for calculating residual displacement has been proposed.
  • The seismic reinforcement of platforms can be conducted at about 70% the cost of the conventional method for replacing platforms.

  • A method for seismic reinforcement of masonry embankment type train platforms using polyurea resin and soil nails has been developed.
  • A reinforcement design method based on the yield seismic horizontal coefficient and a nomogram for calculating residual displacement has been proposed.
  • The seismic reinforcement of platforms can be conducted at about 70% the cost of the conventional method for replacing platforms.

2. Anti-bridge-collapse device with seismic control function that can be installed in narrow spaces

  • An anti-bridge-collapse device having a seismic control function has been developed for railway bridges with steel piers.
  • It is a compact device that can be installed even in narrow spaces, to reduce the response displacement during an earthquake by about 10 to 50% and prevent the bridge from collapsing when excessive displacement occurs.
  • The design method of the device has been developed including the mounting part, so it is immediately applicable to actual bridges.

  • An anti-bridge-collapse device having a seismic control function has been developed for railway bridges with steel piers.
  • It is a compact device that can be installed even in narrow spaces, to reduce the response displacement during an earthquake by about 10 to 50% and prevent the bridge from collapsing when excessive displacement occurs.
  • The design method of the device has been developed including the mounting part, so it is immediately applicable to actual bridges.

3. High-accuracy estimation method for earthquake motion at bedrock during large-scale earthquake

  • A method to estimate the earthquake motion at bedrock using seismic observation records at the surface during large-scale earthquake has been proposed.
  • It can be used to find out the cause of damage to structures, vehicles, and electric power poles after an earthquake, and to shorten the restoration time.
  • Compared with the conventional method, estimation error is reduced to 1/6 and calculation time to 1/30.

  • A method to estimate the earthquake motion at bedrock using seismic observation records at the surface during large-scale earthquake has been proposed.
  • It can be used to find out the cause of damage to structures, vehicles, and electric power poles after an earthquake, and to shorten the restoration time.
  • Compared with the conventional method, estimation error is reduced to 1/6 and calculation time to 1/30.

4. Method to control snow accretion around a bogie using traveling wind

  • For Shinkansen, a method to control snow accretion by combining an intake that draws in traveling wind and a nozzle that blows it onto bogies has been developed.
  • From model experiment and numerical analysis, it was confirmed that the amount of snow accretion around the body plate behind a bogie was reduced by 30 to 50%.

  • For Shinkansen, a method to control snow accretion by combining an intake that draws in traveling wind and a nozzle that blows it onto bogies has been developed.
  • From model experiment and numerical analysis, it was confirmed that the amount of snow accretion around the body plate behind a bogie was reduced by 30 to 50%.

5. Method for detecting obstacle on railway tracks using an on-board monocular camera

  • A method for detecting obstructions on railway tracks using a monocular camera mounted in the cab has been developed.
  • It was confirmed that the system can detect a person standing in daylight at a distance of 300 meters with a probability of 98%.
  • The system can be used to support the driver in detecting obstructions in front of the train.

  • A method for detecting obstructions on railway tracks using a monocular camera mounted in the cab has been developed.
  • It was confirmed that the system can detect a person standing in daylight at a distance of 300 meters with a probability of 98%.
  • The system can be used to support the driver in detecting obstructions in front of the train.

6. Method to detect passengers approaching vehicles using vehicle side cameras

  • A method to detect passengers, etc. approaching vehicles using cameras mounted on the sides of vehicles has been developed, and it has been confirmed that no person is overlooked or misdetected irrespective of day or night.
  • It has also been confirmed that the maximum detection error of the passenger's position on the platform is about at most 20 cm, which is accurate enough not to overlook the person outside the Braille blocks.
  • The system can also be used to support the driver in one-man operation.

  • A method to detect passengers, etc. approaching vehicles using cameras mounted on the sides of vehicles has been developed, and it has been confirmed that no person is overlooked or misdetected irrespective of day or night.
  • It has also been confirmed that the maximum detection error of the passenger's position on the platform is about at most 20 cm, which is accurate enough not to overlook the person outside the Braille blocks.
  • The system can also be used to support the driver in one-man operation.

7. Brake control method to compensate for reduced braking force

  • A brake control method that can be introduced in addition to the existing brake control system to improve the stop position accuracy has been developed.
  • The system automatically updates the brake command even when the braking force suddenly drops, maintaining the accuracy of stopping at the target position.
  • It can be utilized to assist the driver in improving the accuracy of the stop position and during automatic train operation.

  • A brake control method that can be introduced in addition to the existing brake control system to improve the stop position accuracy has been developed.
  • The system automatically updates the brake command even when the braking force suddenly drops, maintaining the accuracy of stopping at the target position.
  • It can be utilized to assist the driver in improving the accuracy of the stop position and during automatic train operation.

8. Vehicle-mounted measuring device for gauge and twist under loaded condition

  • A low-cost, vehicle-mounted device that can measure the dynamic values of gauge and twist under loaded condition, which often cause derailment accidents, has been developed.
  • It can improve the running safety on service lines and in depots where track inspection cars are not used.
  • By running tests, it has been confirmed that the variation in the measurement results is about the same as that by track inspection car, and that the measurement results generally coincide with those by track inspection car. Unmanned measurement is also possible.

  • A low-cost, vehicle-mounted device that can measure the dynamic values of gauge and twist under loaded condition, which often cause derailment accidents, has been developed.
  • It can improve the running safety on service lines and in depots where track inspection cars are not used.
  • By running tests, it has been confirmed that the variation in the measurement results is about the same as that by track inspection car, and that the measurement results generally coincide with those by track inspection car. Unmanned measurement is also possible.

Ⅱ. Cost Reduction

9. Restoration techniques for embankments reusing collapsed soil

  • A method of restoring embankments by reusing soil collapsed due to heavy rains, etc. has been proposed.
  • It takes advantage of the dehydration effect of lime and the increase in the strength of soil due to compaction.
  • The construction period and cost required for restoration of embankments can be reduced by 10 to 20% compared to conventional methods.

  • A method of restoring embankments by reusing soil collapsed due to heavy rains, etc. has been proposed.
  • It takes advantage of the dehydration effect of lime and the increase in the strength of soil due to compaction.
  • The construction period and cost required for restoration of embankments can be reduced by 10 to 20% compared to conventional methods.

10. Structural performance evaluation of existing bridges by acceleration monitoring

  • An algorithm that can estimate deflection and reinforcing bar stress of a concrete bridge from its acceleration monitoring waveform in less than one second with high accuracy has been developed.
  • Quantitative evaluation of structural performance, such as train running performance and fatigue safety, and determination of the need for repair or reinforcement can be performed without field measurements that require a great deal of labor.

  • An algorithm that can estimate deflection and reinforcing bar stress of a concrete bridge from its acceleration monitoring waveform in less than one second with high accuracy has been developed.
  • Quantitative evaluation of structural performance, such as train running performance and fatigue safety, and determination of the need for repair or reinforcement can be performed without field measurements that require a great deal of labor.

11. Multi-point synchronous measurement system for railway bridge vibration using a video camera

  • A system that can synchronously measure the vibration of multiple arbitrary points on a railway bridge using a video camera has been developed.
  • The system uses videography to measure the dynamic deflection of railway bridges, the natural frequencies of ancillary structures, and the micro displacements of bearings while trains are passing by, to evaluate their health efficiently.

  • A system that can synchronously measure the vibration of multiple arbitrary points on a railway bridge using a video camera has been developed.
  • The system uses videography to measure the dynamic deflection of railway bridges, the natural frequencies of ancillary structures, and the micro displacements of bearings while trains are passing by, to evaluate their health efficiently.

12. Low-cost deterioration evaluation method for the backside ground of slope protection works

  • A low-cost and short-time test method to evaluate the degree of deterioration of the backside ground of slope protection works has been developed.
  • The stability of the slope can be determined according to the result of the above test.
  • A maintenance manual for slope protection work has been prepared to outline the main points of the inspection method and countermeasure method.

  • A low-cost and short-time test method to evaluate the degree of deterioration of the backside ground of slope protection works has been developed.
  • The stability of the slope can be determined according to the result of the above test.
  • A maintenance manual for slope protection work has been prepared to outline the main points of the inspection method and countermeasure method.

13. Boring method for constructing a crossing structure under railway tracks making it possible to shorten the construction period

  • A boring method for constructing a crossing structure under railway tracks that can control the amount of settlement of the track surface to the same level as before and shorten the construction period has been proposed.
  • The cost of measuring and managing tracks during boring and track maintenance can be reduced by approximately 50%.
  • A settlement prediction analysis method has been developed to be used to determine whether countermeasures such as grouting are necessary.

  • A boring method for constructing a crossing structure under railway tracks that can control the amount of settlement of the track surface to the same level as before and shorten the construction period has been proposed.
  • The cost of measuring and managing tracks during boring and track maintenance can be reduced by approximately 50%.
  • A settlement prediction analysis method has been developed to be used to determine whether countermeasures such as grouting are necessary.

14. Maintenance method for prestressed concrete sleepers according to the installation environment

  • A method to evaluate the soundness of prestressed concrete sleepers (PC sleepers) based on their natural frequencies and the degree of deformation caused by frost damage and salt injury has been proposed.
  • A maintenance flow and standard replacement criteria according to the installation environment have been proposed.
  • These methods can be utilized for the efficient replacement and maintenance of PC sleepers.

  • A method to evaluate the soundness of prestressed concrete sleepers (PC sleepers) based on their natural frequencies and the degree of deformation caused by frost damage and salt injury has been proposed.
  • A maintenance flow and standard replacement criteria according to the installation environment have been proposed.
  • These methods can be utilized for the efficient replacement and maintenance of PC sleepers.

15. Low-cost ballastless tracks for existing lines and roadbed improvement method

  • A ballastless track for existing lines to fill the ballast layer with superfine-particle-cement fluid has been developed. It is also applicable to a ballasted track that turned into a mud-pumping state by performing partial ballast renewal.
  • A post-filling roadbed improvement method that can be carried out with ballastless track construction has been developed, and a design method for roadbed improvement that takes the amount of roadbed settlement and fatigue failure of the grouted ballast layer into account has been proposed.

  • A ballastless track for existing lines to fill the ballast layer with superfine-particle-cement fluid has been developed. It is also applicable to a ballasted track that turned into a mud-pumping state by performing partial ballast renewal.
  • A post-filling roadbed improvement method that can be carried out with ballastless track construction has been developed, and a design method for roadbed improvement that takes the amount of roadbed settlement and fatigue failure of the grouted ballast layer into account has been proposed.

16. The image analysis engine for around track to support train patrol

  • An analytical engine has been developed in order to automatically detect objects around the railway tracks and changes in the wayside environment that may interfere with running trains, based on images taken by cameras installed at the front of the train.
  • The system can reduce the frequency of train patrols by accompanied persons in charge, and is used as a system to support train patrols on commercial lines.

  • An analytical engine has been developed in order to automatically detect objects around the railway tracks and changes in the wayside environment that may interfere with running trains, based on images taken by cameras installed at the front of the train.
  • The system can reduce the frequency of train patrols by accompanied persons in charge, and is used as a system to support train patrols on commercial lines.

17. Insulator contamination estimation method based on public data

  • A method for estimating the degree of insulator contamination at any given point and time in an open section, based on publicly available meteorological and topographical data, has been developed.
  • It can be used to design equipment with contamination resistance according to the environment and to formulate maintenance methods.

  • A method for estimating the degree of insulator contamination at any given point and time in an open section, based on publicly available meteorological and topographical data, has been developed.
  • It can be used to design equipment with contamination resistance according to the environment and to formulate maintenance methods.

18. Degradation evaluation method for lithium-ion batteries for vehicle control circuits

  • A degradation evaluation method has been developed in order to ensure the reliability of lithium-ion batteries for vehicle control circuits and to reduce the labor required for inspections.
  • Prediction of lifetime under actual use conditions is possible at the stage of vehicle design.
  • Degradation diagnosis after starting vehicle operation can be available by adding filtering process according to the recorded vehicle data.

  • A degradation evaluation method has been developed in order to ensure the reliability of lithium-ion batteries for vehicle control circuits and to reduce the labor required for inspections.
  • Prediction of lifetime under actual use conditions is possible at the stage of vehicle design.
  • Degradation diagnosis after starting vehicle operation can be available by adding filtering process according to the recorded vehicle data.

Ⅲ. Harmonization with the Environment

19. Wheel tread management method based on wayside noise prediction

  • A method for estimating the amount of local wearing depth of wheel treads from rail vibrations in low-speed sections has been constructed.
  • A method for predicting wayside noise when running high-speed sections based on the rail vibrations during low-speed sections has been constructed, and the accuracy of the prediction has been confirmed to be less than ±1 dB.
  • This method can be utilized for wheel tread management by comparing the results of noise prediction with environmental standards, etc.

  • A method for estimating the amount of local wearing depth of wheel treads from rail vibrations in low-speed sections has been constructed.
  • A method for predicting wayside noise when running high-speed sections based on the rail vibrations during low-speed sections has been constructed, and the accuracy of the prediction has been confirmed to be less than ±1 dB.
  • This method can be utilized for wheel tread management by comparing the results of noise prediction with environmental standards, etc.

Ⅳ. Improvement of Convenience

20. High-accuracy train positioning system for tilting train

  • A train positioning system with a detection error of ±2 m that does not depend on Automatic Train Protection (ATP) beacons has been developed.
  • It can extend update period of on-board route data for about 10 years and save the labor for updating.
  • The tilting system can be controlled according to the entry and exit in each curved section, to improve the ride comfort.

  • A train positioning system with a detection error of ±2 m that does not depend on Automatic Train Protection (ATP) beacons has been developed.
  • It can extend update period of on-board route data for about 10 years and save the labor for updating.
  • The tilting system can be controlled according to the entry and exit in each curved section, to improve the ride comfort.

21. Support system for countermeasures against delay based on the impact of delays

  • A support system for countermeasures against delay has been developed to improve the punctuality of train operations and to increase the work efficiency to study measures to achieve this.
  • The system extracts the priority locations for countermeasures that can improve punctuality of the rail line, based on the number of sets of train and station likely to be affected by the delay at one location.
  • By applying the methods to actual rail lines, the validity of the extracted locations and the improvement of punctuality after the timetable change have been confirmed.

  • A support system for countermeasures against delay has been developed to improve the punctuality of train operations and to increase the work efficiency to study measures to achieve this.
  • The system extracts the priority locations for countermeasures that can improve punctuality of the rail line, based on the number of sets of train and station likely to be affected by the delay at one location.
  • By applying the methods to actual rail lines, the validity of the extracted locations and the improvement of punctuality after the timetable change have been confirmed.

Ⅴ. Basic Research

22. Numerical simulation of ventilation in a vehicle by opening windows while running

  • A numerical simulation tool to predict the amount of ventilation by opening windows has been developed.
  • Based on the simulation results, a simple prediction formula for the amount of ventilation by opening windows has been proposed.
  • The simple prediction formula for the amount of ventilation inside a vehicle can be used to evaluate the measures against "closed space" for railway vehicles.

  • A numerical simulation tool to predict the amount of ventilation by opening windows has been developed.
  • Based on the simulation results, a simple prediction formula for the amount of ventilation by opening windows has been proposed.
  • The simple prediction formula for the amount of ventilation inside a vehicle can be used to evaluate the measures against "closed space" for railway vehicles.

23. Analytical evaluation method for the speed at which hunting occurs

  • The relationship between the initial amplitude and the running speed at which hunting occurs has been clarified.
  • The speed at which hunting occurs can be efficiently evaluated based on the specifications including the wheel profile.

  • The relationship between the initial amplitude and the running speed at which hunting occurs has been clarified.
  • The speed at which hunting occurs can be efficiently evaluated based on the specifications including the wheel profile.

24. Evaluation of the influence of wheel machining marks on the friction coefficient by visualizing the contact area

  • A technique to visualize the state of contact between wheel and rail using ultrasonic waves has been developed.
  • It has been clarified that the friction coefficient between wheel and rail is affected by the degree of gap between the contact areas.

  • A technique to visualize the state of contact between wheel and rail using ultrasonic waves has been developed.
  • It has been clarified that the friction coefficient between wheel and rail is affected by the degree of gap between the contact areas.

25. Wheel slide protection simulator to supplement on-track testing

  • A wheel slide protection (hereafter, WSP) simulator that combines actual pneumatic piping for braking and a real-time computer has been developed.
  • By confirming the performance of the WSP algorithm in advance, the number of test runs for on-track testing can be halved.

  • A wheel slide protection (hereafter, WSP) simulator that combines actual pneumatic piping for braking and a real-time computer has been developed.
  • By confirming the performance of the WSP algorithm in advance, the number of test runs for on-track testing can be halved.

26. Non-contact method to detect rail openings using aerial ultrasonic waves

  • A non-contact method to detect rail openings using aerial ultrasonic sensors has been devised.
  • A running test at speeds up to 80 km/h was performed using a testing car equipped with the proposed method to confirm that the ultrasonic intensity at the opening part of rail was lower than that at the middle part.

  • A non-contact method to detect rail openings using aerial ultrasonic sensors has been devised.
  • A running test at speeds up to 80 km/h was performed using a testing car equipped with the proposed method to confirm that the ultrasonic intensity at the opening part of rail was lower than that at the middle part.

27. Clarification of wear mechanism of current collecting materials caused by frictional heat

  • It has been clarified that there are four modes of mechanical wear of current collecting materials depending on the contact temperature, and that softening of the material is an important factor.
  • A numerical analysis model that can calculate the temperature of the contact point due to frictional heat has been constructed.

  • It has been clarified that there are four modes of mechanical wear of current collecting materials depending on the contact temperature, and that softening of the material is an important factor.
  • A numerical analysis model that can calculate the temperature of the contact point due to frictional heat has been constructed.

28. Method to evaluate physical properties of frictional materials by numerical simulation

  • A method to calculate the physical properties of frictional materials by numerical simulation has been constructed based on the created analytical model using CT images of frictional materials to reflect their microscopic structures.
  • The constructed method was applied to pantograph contact strip materials to reproduce their physical properties.
  • It can be utilized to estimate physical properties before prototyping and to clarify the phenomena on a microscopic scale that cannot be measured.

  • A method to calculate the physical properties of frictional materials by numerical simulation has been constructed based on the created analytical model using CT images of frictional materials to reflect their microscopic structures.
  • The constructed method was applied to pantograph contact strip materials to reproduce their physical properties.
  • It can be utilized to estimate physical properties before prototyping and to clarify the phenomena on a microscopic scale that cannot be measured.

29. Detection of changes in drivers' physical and mental state using physiological indicators

  • Physiological indicators based on Heart rate and respiration that are suitable for estimating the physical and mental state of the driver have been proposed.
  • As Heart rate and respiration are relatively easy to measure, they are suitable for measuring on site.
  • A comprehensive judgment method to optimize multiple indicators for each individual has been devised to improve the estimation accuracy.

  • Physiological indicators based on Heart rate and respiration that are suitable for estimating the physical and mental state of the driver have been proposed.
  • As Heart rate and respiration are relatively easy to measure, they are suitable for measuring on site.
  • A comprehensive judgment method to optimize multiple indicators for each individual has been devised to improve the estimation accuracy.

・Ⅱ.9,Ⅱ.11,Ⅱ.16 received funding from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
・Ⅴ.27 is collaborative research with Yokohama National University.

Major Results of Research and Development