Track monitoring to RIL for safe rail infrastructure

During construction work next to and beneath tracks, we monitor track position, settlement and deformation to the standard of RIL 883.8100A01. With automatic data capture, remote transmission and proactive alerting.

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Track monitoring on rail infrastructure with sensors and prism targets in the track area
Track geometry Online
  • Position nominal
  • Height nominal
  • Cant nominal
  • Twist nominal
RIL 883.8100A01

Why track monitoring

Why track monitoring is essential during construction work

Construction work near the track, temporary conditions and interventions in the subsoil can cause settlement, displacement and twist. Compliant geo-monitoring provides evidence and enables a fast response.

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Construction near the track

Continuous recording of track geometry during construction states directly next to or beneath the track.

Drilling and piling works

Interventions in the subsoil cause settlement. The smallest changes in position are detected early.

Temporary bridges

Monitoring of position, cant and twist on temporary structures in the track area.

Switches and crossings

Geo-monitoring for tracks and switches to RIL requirements, even at sensitive junctions.

Traceability

Unbroken time series document the track condition before, during and after the construction phase.

Automatic alerting

If thresholds are reached, the system alerts immediately, around the clock and without an on-site check.

Measuring head at the edge of the track, with ballast bed and rails behind

RIL 883.8100A01

These are the parameters required by the guideline

RIL 883.8100A01, Deutsche Bahn’s guideline for track monitoring, defines minimum requirements for measurement and evaluation in geo-monitoring of tracks and switches. At least four parameters are monitored, and the scope can be extended as part of the risk assessment.

  1. 01

    Position

    Lateral position of the track, captured via measuring points on the sleeper grid.

  2. 02

    Height

    Vertical position of the rail, to reliably detect settlement and heave.

  3. 03

    Relative height (cant)

    Height difference between the two rails, decisive for running safety.

  4. 04

    Twist

    Change in cant over a defined length, a key safety criterion.

Measuring point density

Every 5 sleepers per rail, typically 3.00 m at a 60 cm spacing.

Measuring range

At least 25 m beyond the area of possible change.

Extendable

Gauge and absolute track geometry depending on the risk assessment.

Simulation

Detect settlement before it becomes critical

Subsoil interventions cause the track to sag. See how the height position is measured continuously and what happens once the defined threshold is reached.

Rail longitudinal profile, measuring points on the sleeper grid nominal
Threshold 3.0 mm Reference position (baseline measurement)

Demonstration only

Readings, measuring point M4

Continuous capture, 15 min cycle

mm
  • Position 0.0 ok
  • Height (settlement) 0.0 ok
  • Cant 0.0 ok
  • Twist 0.0 ok

Measurement technology

Total-station monitoring as the standard

For track monitoring to RIL requirements, high-precision total-station monitoring is the standard approach. Precise, automated and with continuous remote transmission.

Capture

Prism targets on the sleeper grid

Reflector targets are placed on the specified grid and automatically sighted by the motorised total station.

Evaluation

Automated measurement cycles

Defined measurement intervals deliver a robust evaluation of track geometry without manual intervention on site.

Operation

Remote transmission and alerting

All readings are transmitted securely and continuously checked against the defined thresholds. If a threshold is exceeded, alerting is triggered automatically.

Remote data transmission24/7 evaluationThreshold alarm

Everything from a single source

One point of contact for the entire track monitoring project

You don\u2019t get separate parts, you get a complete solution. From the monitoring concept to ongoing operation, everything is handled in one place.

  1. 01

    Concept

    Defining parameters, thresholds and the measuring-point grid according to RIL and the risk assessment.

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  2. 02

    Installation

    Prism targets and the total station are installed correctly and commissioned with a documented baseline measurement.

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  3. 03

    Maintenance and operation

    Continuous measurement cycles, well-maintained sensors and robust evaluation throughout the entire critical phase.

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  4. 04

    Monitoring and alerting

    Round-the-clock remote transmission, automatic alerting on thresholds, on request as an outsourced department.

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A monitoring concept for your construction project at the track

Tell us about your project in the track area. We will propose an RIL-compliant monitoring concept and get back to you shortly with a no-obligation quote.

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Data platform

All readings on one platform

The sensors transmit their readings wirelessly to the data platform, where they are evaluated, documented and continuously checked against your thresholds.

  • AI-assisted data analysis
  • User-focused reporting
  • Continuous evaluation
  • Warning and alarm thresholds
  • Alerts by email and text message
  • Remote access around the clock
More on monitoring & alerting
Monitoring platform Sample view
Reading history within limits
Warning threshold
  • AI-assisted data analysis Condition within limits
  • User-focused reporting Report ready
  • Alerting Thresholds monitored

Applications

Where track monitoring shows its strength

Wherever construction work can affect track geometry, continuous geo-monitoring provides safety and traceability.

For rail

Monitoring for rail operators, train operating companies and engineering offices

Whether a construction firm, an operator or a planning office: we combine track monitoring and RIL expertise for everyone involved in the rail environment.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about track monitoring

Which parameters must be monitored as a minimum?
RIL 883.8100A01 requires at least position, height, relative height (cant) and twist. Extensions such as gauge or absolute track geometry are defined on a project-specific basis through the risk assessment.
At what spacing are measuring points placed?
Measuring points are placed at intervals of five sleepers per rail. With a sleeper spacing of 60 cm, this typically results in a grid of 3.00 m.
How large does the measuring range need to be?
The measuring range extends at least 25 m beyond the area of possible change and is extended on a project-specific basis so that edge zones are also reliably captured.
Why is total-station monitoring the standard?
Total-station monitoring enables high-precision, automated capture of track geometry via prism targets on the RIL grid. This makes it ideally suited to continuous monitoring and automatic alerting.
When is additional gauge monitoring required?
Additional gauge monitoring is required when the risk assessment demands it, for example with special structures such as bridges with individual support points.
Does Infrasolute also take care of ongoing operation?
Yes. From concept through installation to ongoing operation, you get everything from a single source. On request, we can take over monitoring completely as an outsourced department, including evaluation and alerting.

Project inquiry

A monitoring concept for your construction project at the track

Tell us about your project in the track area. We will propose an RIL-compliant monitoring concept and get back to you shortly with a no-obligation quote.

+49 6742 8599600 DE +41 41 670 00 11 CH info@infrasolute.com
Project inquiry