TMS - Turnout Measurement System
TMS system is capable to take measurements of track at speed up to 100 km/h every 3 m, and has the potential to reduce the measuring increment to 0.25 m. Its measuring speed in the turnout zone is 20 km/h with the measuring increment of 3 cm, as required by pertinent regulations. Rail types are automatically recognised, which makes it possible to evaluate their wear.
Turnout types are read out from the GeoTEC database, as corresponding to the actual vehicle position. Turnout geometry condition is assessed according to the approach already in use in The Netherlands since 2002, implemented before in GRAW TEE-1435 track and turnout trolleys; moreover simulating now also measurement of profiles using the manual templates, as specified in regulations is possible.

TMS vehicle
Laser optical measurement module

Common crossing
Common crossing as measured and analysed by TMS
Rail types are automatically recognised, which makes it possible to evaluate their wear. Turnout types are read out from the GeoTEC database, as corresponding to the actual vehicle position. Turnout geometry condition is assessed according to the approach already in use in The Netherlands since 2002, implemented before in GRAW TEE-1435 track and turnout trolleys; moreover simulating now also measurement of profiles using the manual templates, as specified in regulations is possible.
TMS system switches automatically from its track- to turnout measurement mode based on GPS reading. All measurement data is stored in the on-board database, from which it is uploaded to the main GRAW GeoTEC database accessible to the maintenance engineers.
Measured parameters

Nearly entire Dutch railway network definition is stored in GeoTEC system, so new measurement data can be automatically assigned to the track segments or turnouts identified by their geographical position. Remote access over GPRS/EDGE/UMTS to the vehicle's measurement system supports remote software maintenance and/or access to the measurements currently carried out. The system operation is fully automatic, as it finds its location after turning power supply on and next it begins measurements switching between the measurement modes.

Example of turnout geometry analysis using MAL-1 template

Example of the measured turnout geometry analysis made with TMS software
The system can generate measurement reports, lists of defects to repair, and verify quality of maintenance work carried out. Employment of the TMS system is a breakthrough in turnouts condition assessment cutting time between consecutive measurements, their analyses and upload their results to the main database for use in track and turnouts improvements and repairs.

