Railway crossing vertical vibration response prediction using a data-driven neuro-fuzzy model – Influence of train factors

This paper provides a data-driven model of the vibration response of a railway crossing during vehicle passages. Many of the features of trains passing through instrumented crossing are extracted from measured data. Based on the feature selection process, speed, dynamic axle load and the number of wagons are found proper inputs in the prediction model. Train-crossing interaction response at a crossing due to passing trains is modeled from a data-driven Neuro-Fuzzy soft computing approach. Locally Linear Model Tree (LOLIMOT) is applied to predict the crossing nose acceleration. The model comparison against measurements shows that the ability to predict the extrapolation cases at off-range speeds has satisfactory compatibility. The monitored passing trains are ranked based on the LOLIMOT input space dimension cuts and extrapolation of the model up to higher train speeds. The influence of train factors (i.e. speed, dynamic axle load, number of wagons) on crossing response is demonstrated. Also, based on the analysis results, it is concluded that with a steady increase in train speeds, some trains show a greater amplification in vibration response than others. The results can be applied in data processing in the crossing vibration monitoring and detection of trains with crossing impact sensitive to speed increasing that can lead to proper operation policies to reduce damages and maintenance costs.