Continuous Railroad Track Health Monitoring Using Distributed Fiber Optic Sensor

Project Description

This project explores the use of Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) with existing fiber-optic cables for continuous railroad track health monitoring. By combining fiber-optic sensing, a validated 3D dynamic track model, and data-driven signal analysis, the project aims to detect changes in track structural condition from train-induced ground vibrations. Numerical simulations and field tests at TTC showed that different track conditions produce distinct rainfall plots and dispersion signatures, demonstrating the potential of DAS for scalable, cost-effective, condition-based maintenance of railroad infrastructure.

Collaborators

• Penn State
• MxV Rail