With the help of Trimble track survey and scanning solutions, Monarch Surveyors and Engineering Consultants Pvt. Ltd. was able to complete work on multiple railways projects.
Pre and post tamping surveys of railway tracks are crucial for their maintenance. A railway track settles with the passage of traffic, but not always evenly, leading to an uneven track formation that can result in rough riding or even train derailment. For India-based Monarch Surveyors and Engineering Consultants Pvt. Ltd., pre and post tamping surveys posed multiple challenges concerning data collection and processing, until they started using Trimble track survey and scanning solutions.
From manual to automated Set up in 1992, Monarch Surveyors provides professional comprehensive services in the field of civil engineering infrastructure projects. “Over the years, we have worked closely with the Indian Railways on several projects across regions and have been responsible for surveying and scanning of tracks,” says Sunil Kokre, Director, Monarch Surveyors. Moving away from the manual process, the company began using Trimble GEDO for railway projects in 2020. The Trimble GEDO Scan System is a modern, efficient tool to collect detailed information about track and surrounding features. It allows the user to quickly gather precise, high-resolution data for use in track clearance assessments and facilities management.
“Trimble GEDO has a particular application in track geometry or track improvisation. Railway tracks deteriorate periodically, and there is a provision in the railway guidelines that calls for tamping, or bringing the track back to the original level, every two years. Earlier, we mostly relied on manual techniques of measurements to ascertain a shift or lift in the track on each sleeper. However, since we started using the GEDO trolley, the process has become automated. One of the key benefits has been higher data quality,” adds Kokre.
Experiencing a complete solution
Trimble GEDO Scan System consists of a track survey trolley (Trimble GEDO CE 2.0) and a highly precise IMU (inertial measurement unit) that is the key for running an efficient track survey and asset data collection. To enable usage of further applications and to guarantee best performance, additional components and sensors can be added to it as well. One of them is the Trimble R8s, an integrated GNSS system that lets building a system tailored to a specific job. As job requirements change, the Trimble R8s adapts accordingly. It is available in post-processing, base only, rover only, or base and rover configurations and features advanced satellite tracking with Trimble 360 receiver technology.
On the other hand, the Trimble Business Center field-to- finish survey CAD software helps surveyors deliver high-accuracy GNSS data, create CAD deliverables, and leverage full data traceability throughout a project’s lifecycle. “In conjunction with each other, Trimble’s GEDO, R8s system, and Business Center software work seamlessly to provide a smooth and complete track and periphery surveying experience to the user. From feasibility studies through construction and operation, efficient alignment planning and accurate mapping of fixed assets to precise track measurement and construction, Trimble positioning solutions help rail managers meet the demands of today and expectations of the future,” says Amit Saxena, Regional Sales Manager, Geospatial, SAARC Region, Trimble.
Availing multiple benefits
While using Trimble GEDO in the pre and post tamping surveys of the newly laid tracks between Lohna Road and Nirmali stations and Bridge number 4 to Bridge number 133 Nirmali End in the Samastipur Division of the Eastern Central Railways, Monarch Surveyors realized that the data collected can be uploaded to the tamping machine without any manual interference. All errors were eliminated, data capturing was fast and accurate, and block time decreased considerably, leading ultimately to increased track utilization.
Since 2020, the company has completed nine to ten projects using Trimble GEDO. “As far as response and feedback from users, particularly section engineers and railway engineers, is concerned, we have received appreciation. After using GEDO for tamping, track geometry has improved considerably. We have even received repeat orders and our client is happy with the track geometry produced using the combination of GEDO trolley and tamping,” says Kokre.
“Trimble solutions enable advanced process and workflow integration for a more streamlined operation. They offer multiple benefits to keep rail operation running smoothly and safely,” concludes Saxena.
