Dispositivo de medição de deslocamentos em via permanente para determinação do módulo de via

A parameter used as an indication of elastic response and quality in several railroads is the track modulus (u), which requires the determination of displacements (deflections) in the field. This paper aims to present a Device for Meas-urements of Displacements (DMD), developed to register deflections during the passage of trains without interrupting the railroad operation. To demonstrate its feasibility, the DMD was used in measurements of two sections in Estrada de Ferro Carajás (EFC), with different conditions of ballast and sleeper. The results showed that the device proved to be suitable for performing the measurement of displacements, which are subsequently used in calculating the track modulus. Additionally, in the case study it was observed that the way of loading (function of speed) relies on different mechanical responses and that measurement on the foot of the rail is more appropriate. Furthermore, it was observed that the device may likely indicate a possible defect in the wheel or in the rail. In general, it was found that the DMD can be a useful tool to help on the railroad maintenance management