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Major Results of Research and Development in Fiscal 2022

This publication is a collection of the major results obtained from research undertaken by the Japanese public body, the Railway Technology Research Institute, in 2022. 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. Rapid seismic damage estimation tool for large bridges

  • We developed a preliminary estimation tool for evaluating seismic damage to large bridges within a few minutes of an earthquake event.
  • The tool can be used to quickly determine if it is safe to resume operations along railway routes with large bridges.

  • We developed a preliminary estimation tool for evaluating seismic damage to large bridges within a few minutes of an earthquake event.
  • The tool can be used to quickly determine if it is safe to resume operations along railway routes with large bridges.

2. Seismic diagnostic for existing pile foundations affected by nearby excavation work

  • We investigated the mechanism via which excavation work reduces the horizontal resistance of existing pile foundations nearby.
  • We developed a seismic diagnostic for existing pile foundations that takes into account changes in ground resistance characteristics according to the separation distance between existing piles and excavated soil retaining walls as well as the resistance width of retaining walls.
  • We demonstrated an approximately 20% reduction in overall construction costs by eliminating the need for large-scale works.

  • We investigated the mechanism via which excavation work reduces the horizontal resistance of existing pile foundations nearby.
  • We developed a seismic diagnostic for existing pile foundations that takes into account changes in ground resistance characteristics according to the separation distance between existing piles and excavated soil retaining walls as well as the resistance width of retaining walls.
  • We demonstrated an approximately 20% reduction in overall construction costs by eliminating the need for large-scale works.

3. Earthquake countermeasure for poles on viaduct using stays and overhead wires

  • We developed an earthquake countermeasure method involving a combination of stays and overhead wires that effectively reduces longitudinal vibration of poles on viaduct (in train direction) during an earthquake.
  • This earthquake countermeasure method, when used together with portal structures, is faster and cheaper than conventional reinforcement or other solutions such as pole replacement.

  • We developed an earthquake countermeasure method involving a combination of stays and overhead wires that effectively reduces longitudinal vibration of poles on viaduct (in train direction) during an earthquake.
  • This earthquake countermeasure method, when used together with portal structures, is faster and cheaper than conventional reinforcement or other solutions such as pole replacement.

4. Rainfall-damaged embankment safety assessment tool

  • We developed a tool to assess rainfall-damaged embankments to determine whether it is safe to resume operations, and to help choose the best emergency repair structure.
  • The tool simplifies the decision-making process around whether to conduct emergency repairs on a damaged embankment and the extent of emergency repairs required. This encourages the use of less complex repair structures, thereby facilitating the speedy resumption of train services.

  • We developed a tool to assess rainfall-damaged embankments to determine whether it is safe to resume operations, and to help choose the best emergency repair structure.
  • The tool simplifies the decision-making process around whether to conduct emergency repairs on a damaged embankment and the extent of emergency repairs required. This encourages the use of less complex repair structures, thereby facilitating the speedy resumption of train services.

5. Creation of time-varying dynamic wind maps

  • We have developed a method for creating dynamic wind speed maps that vary in time according to the update interval of the wind speed observed by an anemometer.
  • This method can map wind speeds equivalent to instantaneous wind speeds with an error of approximately 5 m/s or less.
  • This wind map can be used to monitor strong winds and determine operation controls for railway sections where anemometers have not yet been installed.

  • We have developed a method for creating dynamic wind speed maps that vary in time according to the update interval of the wind speed observed by an anemometer.
  • This method can map wind speeds equivalent to instantaneous wind speeds with an error of approximately 5 m/s or less.
  • This wind map can be used to monitor strong winds and determine operation controls for railway sections where anemometers have not yet been installed.

6. Braking performance improvement under snow conditions by controlling wheel temperature using snowproof brake systems

  • It is clarified that higher wheel temperatures increase the coefficient of friction of tread brake blocks in snow conditions.
  • Management of wheel temperatures by setting appropriately the air pressure of snowproof brakes can lead to the improved braking performance with no adverse impact on the wheels.

  • It is clarified that higher wheel temperatures increase the coefficient of friction of tread brake blocks in snow conditions.
  • Management of wheel temperatures by setting appropriately the air pressure of snowproof brakes can lead to the improved braking performance with no adverse impact on the wheels.

7. Platform safety support device using side-mounted cameras

  • A system for checking platform safety using cameras mounted on the side of the rolling stock.
  • Designed to detect passengers close to the train and alert the train operators accordingly. Can also recognize wheelchairs, baby strollers and white canes.
  • Utilizes a high-speed AI model with 20 msec response time using only CPUs, specifically trained for the railway environment.

  • A system for checking platform safety using cameras mounted on the side of the rolling stock.
  • Designed to detect passengers close to the train and alert the train operators accordingly. Can also recognize wheelchairs, baby strollers and white canes.
  • Utilizes a high-speed AI model with 20 msec response time using only CPUs, specifically trained for the railway environment.

8. Silicon buffers on passenger cars provide longitudinal ride comfort and improved safety in train breakdown operations

  • We developed a silicon buffer for passenger cars designed to replace existing rubber buffers.
  • Internal running tests showed that the silicon buffer reduces longitudinal vibration by up to 6.5 dB.
  • A numerical simulation of a breakdown operation involving two 8-car trains found that the silicon buffer reduces the maximum coupler force on couplings at all points, and also helps to prevent car body floating.

  • We developed a silicon buffer for passenger cars designed to replace existing rubber buffers.
  • Internal running tests showed that the silicon buffer reduces longitudinal vibration by up to 6.5 dB.
  • A numerical simulation of a breakdown operation involving two 8-car trains found that the silicon buffer reduces the maximum coupler force on couplings at all points, and also helps to prevent car body floating.

Ⅱ. Cost Reduction

9. Integrated analytics platform for railways

  • We have developed an integrated analytics platform that aggregates maintenance data from multiple systems and allows data sharing and analysis between systems.
  • By aggregating observation data from different systems and supporting conversion of differing formats for location information, the platform supports integrated analytical projects involving multiple systems.

  • We have developed an integrated analytics platform that aggregates maintenance data from multiple systems and allows data sharing and analysis between systems.
  • By aggregating observation data from different systems and supporting conversion of differing formats for location information, the platform supports integrated analytical projects involving multiple systems.

10. On-board obstacle detection system suitable for low-light conditions

  • An obstacle detection system that can be installed in the driver's cab. The system utilizes a combination of camera and LiDAR technology to identify objects on the railway tracks, even in low-light conditions.
  • Achieved a detection success rate of over 90% for identifying the human form at distances of up to 400 meters under low-light nighttime conditions.
  • The system and sensors can be configured to suit specific performance requirements.

  • An obstacle detection system that can be installed in the driver's cab. The system utilizes a combination of camera and LiDAR technology to identify objects on the railway tracks, even in low-light conditions.
  • Achieved a detection success rate of over 90% for identifying the human form at distances of up to 400 meters under low-light nighttime conditions.
  • The system and sensors can be configured to suit specific performance requirements.

11. Tool for estimating bridge deflection from on-board track irregularity measurements

  • We developed a tool that estimates the amount of bridge deflection by calculating the difference between track irregularities measured at the front and rear cars of the train set.
  • At speeds of up to approximately 100 km/h, the tool is able to calculate bridge deflection with an error of no more than around 10% relative to on-site measurements.

  • We developed a tool that estimates the amount of bridge deflection by calculating the difference between track irregularities measured at the front and rear cars of the train set.
  • At speeds of up to approximately 100 km/h, the tool is able to calculate bridge deflection with an error of no more than around 10% relative to on-site measurements.

12. Wear measuring apparatus for overhead conductor rail using light sectioning

  • We designed a contactless measuring apparatus that uses light-sectioning to measure wear depth on various types of overhead conductor rail with an accuracy of 0.5 mm.
  • The system can take measurements at 20-mm intervals from a maintenance car traveling at 30 km/h, thus providing an efficient and reliable source of data for maintenance.

  • We designed a contactless measuring apparatus that uses light-sectioning to measure wear depth on various types of overhead conductor rail with an accuracy of 0.5 mm.
  • The system can take measurements at 20-mm intervals from a maintenance car traveling at 30 km/h, thus providing an efficient and reliable source of data for maintenance.

13. Imaging analysis method for detecting various anomalies in overhead contact lines

  • We developed a method that can detect various anomalies in overhead contact line fittings such as deformation and breaks, and also determine the level of corrosion of messenger wires.
  • The tool boosts efficiency by providing preliminary screening for various anomalies.

  • We developed a method that can detect various anomalies in overhead contact line fittings such as deformation and breaks, and also determine the level of corrosion of messenger wires.
  • The tool boosts efficiency by providing preliminary screening for various anomalies.

14. Automated crew scheduling system

  • We developed an automated crew scheduling system for both drivers and conductors.
  • The system takes approximately 30 minutes to generate a daily timetable for around 400 trains using the least possible number of crews while satisfying all conditions and requirements.

  • We developed an automated crew scheduling system for both drivers and conductors.
  • The system takes approximately 30 minutes to generate a daily timetable for around 400 trains using the least possible number of crews while satisfying all conditions and requirements.

15. Fast-track embankment structure for confined settings

  • We have developed a fast-track embankment structure suitable for deployment in confined settings, featuring a combination of fluidized soil that does not require compaction and a protective layer of rubble.
  • Sandbag formwork is combined with anchoring materials to make steeply inclined embankments.
  • The structure can be erected around 20% faster than conventional embankment works with around 10% less labor input.

  • We have developed a fast-track embankment structure suitable for deployment in confined settings, featuring a combination of fluidized soil that does not require compaction and a protective layer of rubble.
  • Sandbag formwork is combined with anchoring materials to make steeply inclined embankments.
  • The structure can be erected around 20% faster than conventional embankment works with around 10% less labor input.

16. Numerical analysis method for predicting interaction impacts on closely adjacent tunnels

  • We developed a numerical analysis method for predicting the potential impacts of excavating a new shield tunnel very close to an existing tunnel, such as subsidence of the existing tunnel and deformation of the new tunnel.
  • By providing quantitative predictions tailored to ground conditions, the numerical analysis method can be used to show that soil improvement works are not required in cases where the ground is already in suitable condition.

  • We developed a numerical analysis method for predicting the potential impacts of excavating a new shield tunnel very close to an existing tunnel, such as subsidence of the existing tunnel and deformation of the new tunnel.
  • By providing quantitative predictions tailored to ground conditions, the numerical analysis method can be used to show that soil improvement works are not required in cases where the ground is already in suitable condition.

17. Method for evaluating girder vibration characteristics with consideration for track rigidity

  • We have developed a simple yet highly accurate method for evaluating the flexural rigidity of girders. Our method takes into consideration the rigidity of tracks and other components that have traditionally not been included in bridge design.
  • The method demonstrates that the girder vibration amplification factor when a train passes the bridge may be up to 50% less than assumed. This knowledge allows us to reduce the quantity of reinforcing steel members required in the design.

  • We have developed a simple yet highly accurate method for evaluating the flexural rigidity of girders. Our method takes into consideration the rigidity of tracks and other components that have traditionally not been included in bridge design.
  • The method demonstrates that the girder vibration amplification factor when a train passes the bridge may be up to 50% less than assumed. This knowledge allows us to reduce the quantity of reinforcing steel members required in the design.

18. Concrete repair methodology based on crack width and location

  • We developed a new concrete repair methodology tailored to the width and location of cracks, based on the findings of a dedicated study of water penetration through cracks.
  • Water seldom penetrates into concrete via undersurface cracks, regardless of width, so repairs should focus on preventing flaking. Repairs to cracks on the top surface, meanwhile, should prioritize preventing the ingress of water.

  • We developed a new concrete repair methodology tailored to the width and location of cracks, based on the findings of a dedicated study of water penetration through cracks.
  • Water seldom penetrates into concrete via undersurface cracks, regardless of width, so repairs should focus on preventing flaking. Repairs to cracks on the top surface, meanwhile, should prioritize preventing the ingress of water.

19. Using expansive concrete in track slabs to minimize reinforcement

  • We have developed a new track slab formulation and structural design that utilizes the volumetric expansion of expansive concrete to generate compressive force constrained by internal reinforcement.
  • The expansive concrete track slab uses a third less reinforcement by volume and is 5% cheaper to produce, yet delivers crack resistance and frost resistance characteristics broadly equivalent to conventional track slabs.

  • We have developed a new track slab formulation and structural design that utilizes the volumetric expansion of expansive concrete to generate compressive force constrained by internal reinforcement.
  • The expansive concrete track slab uses a third less reinforcement by volume and is 5% cheaper to produce, yet delivers crack resistance and frost resistance characteristics broadly equivalent to conventional track slabs.

20. Using temperature sensors to help predict service life of electronic signallingequipment

  • Temperature is a key factor governing the service life of electronic signalling equipment. We have developed a system that can accurately evaluate current and future deterioration levels and predict service life.
  • The system can be used to determine equipment replacement intervals tailored to the operating environment and usage conditions.

  • Temperature is a key factor governing the service life of electronic signalling equipment. We have developed a system that can accurately evaluate current and future deterioration levels and predict service life.
  • The system can be used to determine equipment replacement intervals tailored to the operating environment and usage conditions.

21. Effective and efficient steam weeding technique

  • We have developed a weed control technique using steam that is both effective and easier to use.
  • Field tests found that regrowth of a large variety of weed one year after steam weeding fell by 70%.
  • The tests also showed that steam weeding is 44% faster than conventional slashing using the bush cutter and requires only three workers instead of five.

  • We have developed a weed control technique using steam that is both effective and easier to use.
  • Field tests found that regrowth of a large variety of weed one year after steam weeding fell by 70%.
  • The tests also showed that steam weeding is 44% faster than conventional slashing using the bush cutter and requires only three workers instead of five.

Ⅲ. Harmonization with the Environment

22. High-efficiency generator design for diesel electric cars

  • We developed a technique for boosting power generation efficiency in diesel electric cars using detailed thermal efficiency mapping to modify the engine working points.
  • We estimate that the combination of a high-efficiency generator and energy-saving modifications to the engine working points could reduce fuel consumption by around 10%.

  • We developed a technique for boosting power generation efficiency in diesel electric cars using detailed thermal efficiency mapping to modify the engine working points.
  • We estimate that the combination of a high-efficiency generator and energy-saving modifications to the engine working points could reduce fuel consumption by around 10%.

23. Driver advisory system for long-distance trains by speed transition estimation

  • We developed a driver advisory system for long-distance train stopping at limited stations that generates real-time estimations of recommended train speed transition to improve punctuality and save energy consumption, and displays recommended driving operation to the station to be passed.
  • In trial operations by several drivers with several trains, the system provided useful driving instruction.
  • We also demonstrated that the system achieved energy savings in the range 4% - 14%.

  • We developed a driver advisory system for long-distance train stopping at limited stations that generates real-time estimations of recommended train speed transition to improve punctuality and save energy consumption, and displays recommended driving operation to the station to be passed.
  • In trial operations by several drivers with several trains, the system provided useful driving instruction.
  • We also demonstrated that the system achieved energy savings in the range 4% - 14%.

24. Energy-saving driving operation to minimize the energy consumption during small scale delays

  • We have developed an energy-saving driving operation for use during small scale delays that can reduce powering energy and promote regenerative power interchange by coordinating the timing of powering and braking.
  • The energy-saving driving operation integrates seamlessly with automatic train operation and helps drive the decarbonization of railways.

  • We have developed an energy-saving driving operation for use during small scale delays that can reduce powering energy and promote regenerative power interchange by coordinating the timing of powering and braking.
  • The energy-saving driving operation integrates seamlessly with automatic train operation and helps drive the decarbonization of railways.

25. Modular sound insulating barriers designed to replace existing noise barriers on viaducts

  • We have developed a modular sound insulating barrier designed to replace older noise barriers.
  • The modular barriers can be assembled and installed by hand, during daylight hours, without need for heavy machinery.
  • The barriers feature a laminated sound absorption material that has been tailored specifically to the sound of passing trains, so as to mitigate noise levels along train lines.

  • We have developed a modular sound insulating barrier designed to replace older noise barriers.
  • The modular barriers can be assembled and installed by hand, during daylight hours, without need for heavy machinery.
  • The barriers feature a laminated sound absorption material that has been tailored specifically to the sound of passing trains, so as to mitigate noise levels along train lines.

26. Reducing aerodynamic noise and pressure fluctuation from bogies on high-speed trains

  • We developed several strategies for mitigating aerodynamic noise and pressure fluctuation generated by bogies on high-speed trains, and validated their efficacy through wind tunnel tests.
  • We then tabulated the wind test data in table form to illustrate the level of mitigation at different frequencies.
  • Further tests conducted on real trains showed that these strategies are effective in mitigating both aerodynamic noise and pressure fluctuation.

  • We developed several strategies for mitigating aerodynamic noise and pressure fluctuation generated by bogies on high-speed trains, and validated their efficacy through wind tunnel tests.
  • We then tabulated the wind test data in table form to illustrate the level of mitigation at different frequencies.
  • Further tests conducted on real trains showed that these strategies are effective in mitigating both aerodynamic noise and pressure fluctuation.

Ⅳ. Improvement of Convenience

27. Automatic interim timetabling algorithms in case of disasters and train crew/rolling stock shortages

  • We developed an automatic timetable generator that produces interim timetables for use in emergency situations such as natural disasters and in the event of train crew or rolling stock shortages.
  • The generator produces interim timetables that are tailored to constraints around crew and rolling stock availability, and also designed to accommodate compounding factors such as longer travel times due to speed restrictions and congestion.

  • We developed an automatic timetable generator that produces interim timetables for use in emergency situations such as natural disasters and in the event of train crew or rolling stock shortages.
  • The generator produces interim timetables that are tailored to constraints around crew and rolling stock availability, and also designed to accommodate compounding factors such as longer travel times due to speed restrictions and congestion.

28. Tool for evaluating congestion in terms of passenger discomfort in station

  • We developed a tool for evaluating congestion in a station environment in terms of passenger discomfort, based on a combination of passenger flow simulation and modeling of the level and duration of congestion tolerated by different passenger cohorts.
  • Passenger discomfort level represents a handy indicator for comparing congestion levels in different sections of a station and also for comparing stations. This information can then be used to prioritize planning and improvements at railway stations.

  • We developed a tool for evaluating congestion in a station environment in terms of passenger discomfort, based on a combination of passenger flow simulation and modeling of the level and duration of congestion tolerated by different passenger cohorts.
  • Passenger discomfort level represents a handy indicator for comparing congestion levels in different sections of a station and also for comparing stations. This information can then be used to prioritize planning and improvements at railway stations.

Ⅴ. Basic Research

29. Investigation of vehicle behavior during earthquake with focus on on-rail safety limit

  • We have developed a simulator for evaluating vehicle behavior during an earthquake that extends beyond the safety limit of 70 mm relative lateral displacement between wheels and rails traditionally used in simulations.
  • Our simulator accurately reproduced the results of excitation tests on a 1/10 scale model of a conventional line train.

  • We have developed a simulator for evaluating vehicle behavior during an earthquake that extends beyond the safety limit of 70 mm relative lateral displacement between wheels and rails traditionally used in simulations.
  • Our simulator accurately reproduced the results of excitation tests on a 1/10 scale model of a conventional line train.

30. Numerical simulation tool for RTRI Large-Scale Low-Noise Wind Tunnel

  • We developed a numerical wind tunnel simulation tool that reproduces air flows in the Large-Scale Low-Noise Wind Tunnel at the Railway Technical Research Institute (RTRI).
  • The tool includes a complete system incorporating processes from geometric definition of specimens through to computation.
  • Used in combination with real-life wind tunnel testing, the tool enhances efficiency and allows tests to be tailored more closely to the requirements of railway operators and other bodies.

  • We developed a numerical wind tunnel simulation tool that reproduces air flows in the Large-Scale Low-Noise Wind Tunnel at the Railway Technical Research Institute (RTRI).
  • The tool includes a complete system incorporating processes from geometric definition of specimens through to computation.
  • Used in combination with real-life wind tunnel testing, the tool enhances efficiency and allows tests to be tailored more closely to the requirements of railway operators and other bodies.

31. Snowplowing simulator coupled with vehicle dynamics simulator

  • We developed a snowplowing simulator that calculates the force acting on a snowplow during self-snowplowing running operations, and verified reproducibility in tests on a 1/10 scale model vehicle.
  • When coupled with vehicle dynamics simulator, our simulator can be used to evaluate vehicle running safety during self-snowplowing running operations.

  • We developed a snowplowing simulator that calculates the force acting on a snowplow during self-snowplowing running operations, and verified reproducibility in tests on a 1/10 scale model vehicle.
  • When coupled with vehicle dynamics simulator, our simulator can be used to evaluate vehicle running safety during self-snowplowing running operations.

·I.2, I.3 received funding from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's subsidy aid of railway technology development. ·I.5 is collaborative research with Tohoku University and University of Yamanashi. ·I.5 was undertaken in conjunction with Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation. ·I.8 was undertaken in conjunction with Japan Steel Works (JSW). ·II.12 was undertaken in conjunction with Nippon Densetsu Kogyo. ·II.13 was undertaken in conjunction with National University Corporation Shizuoka University and Meidensha Corporation (Meiden). ·III.25 was undertaken in conjunction with Nippon Steel Metal Products.

Major Results of Research and Development