Сalibration method for a strain-gauge measurement system based on bidirectional rail loading

At present, all railways tend to increase the speed of passenger trains and axle loads in transportation of goods. These processes contribute to the improvement of rolling stocks and railway infrastructures. At the same time, there is a need to maintain a high level of safety in transportation. Therefore, experimental research and feasibility studies of the existing monitoring solutions are of the highest priority. Being experimental in nature, this study is aimed at increasing the reliability of the strain-gauge method in measurement of dynamic forces transferred from the wheel to the rail in real operating conditions. Rail strains were experimentally studied under bidirectional loading using a special-purpose impact device. Results of this research are presented in the paper. An experimental measuring section was created for recording loads. Strain gauges were installed on rails in several cross-sections. Rails were loaded with a special-purpose device, which was designed to adjust a loading force and shift a contact point. The structure of the loading device and its basic features are described in the paper