Experimental approach to evaluate performance differences of heavy duty and standard glued insulated rail joints using automated track inspection system

Major challenges presented to track maintainers have been glued insulated rail joint (GIRJ) failure. Historically these joints have failed in service and required renewal in significant numbers. This has caused the maintenance teams to have to intervene and stop train services to make remedial repairs to joints that have failed and caused track circuit failures. Heavy Duty GIRJs (HD GIRJ) have been designed and manufactured by Thermit Australia Ltd and involve a section of modified steel with a strengthened centre section of the joint. The strengthened joint bar has been under trial since late 2019 on CQCN’s Blackwater system at several trial sites, all having different variable elements. The trials have been aimed to evaluate the performance differences between the new HD and the older existing standard GIRJ. Aurizon’s Automatic Track Inspection System (ATIS) is a new unique initiative introduced as a stand-alone trial to record elements of track infrastructure, overhead, and pantograph geometry. It is a combination of autonomous measurement devices that provide the Aurizon with accurate measurements of track assets. The results will show that HD GIRJs are stronger than standard joints and will last longer in service if the supporting sleepers are consolidated when required.