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Problemy Kolejnictwa
ISSN 0552-2145 (paper version)

ISSN 2544-9451 (on-line version)

Problemy Kolejnictwa is registered in bibliographic databases:

Issues

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Issue No. 199, 2023

Editorial
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1. Prospects for Implementing of the 25 kV 50 Hz Voltage System in Poland
Marek Graff

Pages: 67-76

Summary. In this article, the possibility of introducing a 25 kV 50 Hz voltage system into PLK’s network is discussed. It compares two voltage types – 3 kV DC and 25 kV 50 Hz – by describing on the experiences of neighboring countries like the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Ukraine, which use AC and DC in their railway networks. In Poland, potential implementation the 25 kV 50 Hz system includes the CMK, LHS, and the planned Y line. Both the Czech Republic and Slovakia had plans for the gradual reelectrification of selected lines, transitioning from 3 kV DC into 25 kV 50 Hz. However, due to the significant costs involved, this process was staggered. The advantages of the 25 kV 50 Hz system over the 3 kV DC system, such as lower construction and operating costs for the line, have prompted considerations for its implementation, particularly on heavily trafficked lines.

Keywords: supply voltage, 3 kV DC, 25 kV 50 Hz, Poland, PKP
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 2. Development of an Algorithm for an Anti-theft System for the Rail Transport ContactLine
Valeriy Kuznetsov, Artur Rojek, Waldemar Szulc

Pages: 77-86

Summary. The given article presents the results of the development of algorithms for the operation of elements of the anti-theft system of the contact line dedicated to limit the cases of theft of contact and catenary wires and elements of tensioning devices. The implementation of the system not only reduces the financial losses caused by devastation and theft of infrastructure, but also significantly improves the safety of employees, passengers and bystanders. Constant monitoring of the parameters of the overhead contact line and the transmission of alarm signals in real time to the relevant services (SOK and Police) ensures high efficiency of the system. In addition, the creation of a power supply system for devices mounted on (or near) the contact line, which does not have a galvanic connection to the overhead line, will increase the reliability and availability of traction power supply systems.

Keywords: contact line, theft, security, monitoring
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3. Ionising Radiation in Non-Destructive Testing. Part 2 – Selected Issues Related to the Implementation of Radiographic Testing for the Diagnosis of Rail Joints on PKP PLK S.A. Infrastructure
Małgorzata Ostromęcka

Pages: 87-95

Summary. The article presents the main issues and challenges associated with the implementation
of radiographic testing for the diagnosis of rail joints conducted in field conditions on the infrastructure of PKP PLK. It outlines the range of guidelines that need to be created or modified
in relation to the necessity of using ionising radiation, and identifies possible areas for reducing
the time taken to perform the tests.

Keywords non-destructive testing, industrial radiography, welded joint, rail joint
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4. Transport Solutions and Indicators in Smart Cities. Part 2
Iwona Wróbel

Pages: 97-105

Summary. The subject of the article is the analysis of solutions and applications of modern information and communication technologies (ICT) in urban centers and the measurement
of transport quality indicators, taking into account the requirements of the ISO 37120 standard: Sustainable social development – indicators of urban services and quality of life. The article consists of two parts. In part two, the transport indicators are described in detail along with the measurement methodology used, including the selection of source data necessary for the calculation of the indicators. For selected seven capitals of Polish provinces (Kraków, Poznań Szczecin, Białystok, Rzeszów, Olsztyn, Opole) existing smart mobility solutions were presented. The main subject of this part of the article is to present the results based on the ISO 37120 standards in the field of transport, together with a discussion and list of results. At the end, the main conclusions from the reviewed analyses and studies are presented.

Keywords: smart cities, quality of urban services, ISO 37120 standard, urban transport, quality indicators in transport
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5. Aerodynamic Phenomena Caused by the Passage of a Train. Part 5 – Slipstream Influence on People
Andrzej Zbieć

Pages: 107-116

Summary: In the series of articles describing the aerodynamic phenomena caused by the passage
of a train, the effects of a train running at high speed on itself, on other trains, on objects on the track and on people are characterized. This impact can be of two types – generated pressure and slipstream. Apart from the literature analysis, the author’s research is also taken into account.
The fifth part of the series describes the impact of the slipstream on people.

Keywords: rolling stock, high speed railways, aerodynamic phenomena
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Issue No. 200, 2023

Editorial
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1. Longitudinal Sectioning of Overhead Contact Lines in Stations on Single-Track Lines
Damian DRATWA

Pages: 139-151

SummaryThe length of standard gauge rail lines under the management of PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A. is 18,522.503 km, including 11,940.509 km of electrifi ed lines. In order to ensure reliable power supply to the electric traction, as well as to ensure that work can be carried out when the voltage on the overhead contact lines is switched off or as a result of a breakdown, sectioning is used. By electrically sectioning the overhead contact line, specifi c sections of it can be switched off. The impact on station capacity as a result of a power outage in the overhead contact line depends on how the sectioning is performed. Th is performance is not strictly defi ned in the case of stations on single-track lines, where the sectioning of the overhead contact line is done in diff erent ways. The article analyses the impact of longitudinal sectioning on the possibility of running trains by electric traction, using the example of two sections of single-track railroad lines No. 15 and No. 16.

Keywords: overhead contact line, longitudinal sectioning, station capacity, track closures, maintenance of overhead contact line
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 2. Factors Determining the Development of Rail Passenger and Freight Transport on the Example of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship
Marek GRAFF

Pages: 153-170

Summary. The availability of EU funds for the modernization of infrastructure, including railways (infrastructure renovations and rolling stock purchases) has led the local authorities of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship to acquire diesel-powered rolling stock initially and later electric, too. Renovations of the railway network are – on the one hand – carried out by the infrastructure owner Polskie Linie Kolejowe (PLK), which is managed centrally, and – on the other hand – more complicated due to costs as well as legal and procedural issues (the need to comply with EU law). Thus, for example, the modernization of LK 91 Kraków – Rzeszów only began in 2011; for comparison, the first diesel vehicles were purchased by the Marshal’s Office of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship in Rzeszów in 2004, and electric vehicles in 2013. As more vehicles were acquired (by mid-2023 the number – including those ordered – was 49) and the infrastructure was renovated. Th en it was decided to launch a Suburban Agglomeration Railway (PKA), connecting Rzeszów with towns located up to 50 km from the capital of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship via the existing railway infrastructure. A comprehensive modernization of Rzeszów Główny Station is underway now including renovation of the station building. Also, due to the proximity of the border with Ukraine, the modernization of the eastbound railway lines and border stations of PLK and UZ (1435 + 1520 mm) started a few years ago. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, they proved to be much needed given the need to transport refugees and international aid to Ukraine.

Keywords: Podkarpackie Voivodeship, PLK, PKA (Suburban Railway in Podkarpacie), Jasionka Airport
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3. Basic Variants of the Analytical Method of Designing Track Geometric Layouts

 Władysław KOC

Pages: 171-185

Summary. The article presents (and extends) the basic assumptions of the analytical method for designing track geometric layouts. The individual elements of the layout (straight sections, circular arcs and transition curves) are described using mathematical equations and connected with each other while maintaining the condition of tangent compliance. The method covers various design cases: asymmetrical case, with transition curves of the same type and the same length, an asymmetrical case, resulting from diff erent types and lengths of transition curves, as well as methods of designing compound and reverse curves. The work presents a detailed design procedure for the typical, most common case in which the transition curves are symmetrical in relation to the circular arc. Two basic variants diff ering in the location of the local coordinate system are considered. In the standard (universal) variant, the location of the beginning of the system in the PL-2000 system is not known and is determined only in the final phase of the procedure. Due to this, some interpretation problems may arise. In the case of a symmetrical geometric layout, these diffi culties can be avoided thanks to the introduced modifi cation consisting of locating the origin of the local coordinate system at the intersection of two main directions of the route. The article presents computational algorithms for both discussed variants. The benefits of the introduced modifi cation are illustrated by the presented computational examples.

Keywords railroad, analytical design method, modifi cation of the local coordinate system, calculation algorithm, sample geometric layouts
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4. Key Issues Related to Permanent Way in the Work of Professor Henryk Bałuch
Andrzej MASSEL

Pages: 187-191

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5. Overview of the Areas of the Railway Research Institute Activities
Marek PAWLIK

Pages: 193-207

Summary: Railway transport employs mechanical, pneumatic, electrical, electrotechnical, relay, and electronic programmable solutions, as well as hydraulic, optical and laser-based solutions for the construction and everyday exploitation of various infrastructure and rolling stock functionalities and for supporting and documenting both operation and maintenance. The safe and reliable operation of railways depends, to a significant extent, on the proper interaction of the various technical and procedural solutions. It is based on normative documents, approval procedures and rules regarding handling technical, operational and organisational changes. The article presents the railway system’s technical complexity as well as types and formal constraints of the normative and legal documents defining technical and procedural requirements, using both of them as a background for showing the Railway Research Institute’s areas of activities from technical competencies and research facilities used in approval processes to involvement in the development of normative documents.

Keywords: railway infrastructure, railway rolling stock, approval processes, normative documents
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6. Environmental Impacts of High-Speed Rail. Part 1: Acoustic Impacts
Krzysztof POLAK

Pages: 209-216

Summary: The article discusses issues related to acoustic impacts generated by high-speed railways. It indicates the most important legal regulations concerning noise in railway transport and characterises the main sources of noise generated by highspeed railway lines. It attempts to determine the negative acoustic impact on various elements of the environment during the construction, operation and decommissioning of a high-speed railways. Furthermore, it also outlines the most frequently applied solutions to minimise this impact.

Keywords: noise, acoustic impact, high-speed railway, environmental impact of high-speed railway
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7. Electrical Endurance of DC Switching Devices
Artur ROJEK

Pages: 217-227

Summary: The article focuses on the electrical endurance testing of direct current switching devices, such as high speed circuit breakers, switch disconnectors and contactors. It presents the normative requirements for these tests and provides sample results obtained during testing conducted in the electrical laboratory of the Department of Electrical Power Engineering at the Railway Research Institute. The most commonly tested switching devices have nominal voltages of 900, 1800, and 3600 V DC, with nominal currents of up to 6.5 kA. The article also discusses phenomena and hazards that may occur during electrical endurance testing.

Keywords: electrical endurance, high speed circuit breaker, switch disconnector, contactor, DC breaking
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8. Change of the Electric Traction Power Supply System in Poland From 3 kV DC to 25 kV AC
Artur ROJEK

Pages: 229-241

Summary: The article compares the 3 kV DC and 25 kV AC railway electric traction power supply systems. Both systems were characterised, including their requirements in terms of power supply to traction substations, system losses and the influence of the choice of system on the parameters of railway traffic.

Keywords: electric traction power supply system, 3 kV DC system, 25 kV AC system, energy losses, catenary
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9. Research Issues Regarding the Impact of a Rolling Stock on a Trackside Train Detection Systems Devices
Łukasz ZAWADKA, Dominik ADAMSKI

Pages: 243-249

Summary: The paper characterises the operation and basic components of track occupancy devices that are currently used on the PKP PLK S.A. network. Furthermore research methods of measurement of railway vehicles impact on track circuits and axle counter systems as well as wheel set axle impedance measurement that are performed in Railway Research Institute were described. Examples of measurement results were presented for each of the described methods.

Keywords: track circuits, axle counters, interference, magnetic fields, EMC
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10. Aerodynamic Phenomena Caused by the Passage of a Train. Part 6: Other Infl uences. Summary of Series
Andrzej Zbieć

Pages: 251-257

Summary: This series of articles describes the aerodynamic phenomena caused by the passage of a train, characterising the effects that a train running at high speed has on itself, other trains, trackside objects and people. This impact can be of two types − generated pressure and slipstream. Apart from the literature analysis, the author’s research is also taken into account. The sixth part of the series describes mixed aerodynamic impacts on people, as well as other types of impacts, and summarises the entire series.

Keywords: rolling stock, high speed railways, aerodynamic phenomena
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Issue No. 202, 2025

Editorial
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1. Historical Outline of Railway Control Command and Signalling Systems Development Based on Research Conducted at the Railway Research Institute
Andrzej Białoń

Pages: 75-86

SummaryRailway control command and signalling systems ensure the safe operation of rolling stock by utilising appropriate equipment, either automatically or with the involvement of an operator. This paper presents a historical outline of the development of railway control command and signalling equipment from its beginnings to the present day. The process of refining traffic control equipment is illustrated through the example of work conducted in Poland, particularly at the Railway Traffic Control and Telecom Department of the Railway Research Institute. Attention is drawn to the elements of traffic control equipment that have evolved due to technological developments. The paper also highlights the international cooperation of the Railway Traffic Control and Telecom Department at the Railway Research Institute, as well as its knowledge dissemination activities.

Keywords: rail transport, traffic control, development, research
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 2. “Beautiful Helen” locomotive and more
Andrzej Chudzikiewicz, Ignacy Góra

Pages: 87-98

Summary.

Poland’s regaining of independence in 1918 was a powerful stimulus for many areas of social and economic life in the Polish state that was being created from scratch. One of such sectors, vital to the development of the economy and social life, was transport and the steam locomotive industry. At the time, the steam locomotive was a modern means of transport enabling people and goods to be moved over closer and further distances, quickly, efficiently and comfortably. This article presents the history of the development of the Polish school of locomotive design and construction after 1918 and, in this context, the development of research on steam locomotives constructed and built in newly established factories, and in particular the history of the design and construction of the Pt 31 steam locomotive. Following 1918, engineers, prominent steam locomotive constructors, began to return to Poland from Russia and began to perform “basic work”, establishing Locomotive Construction Departments at Polish technical universities and also participating in the organisation of the production and construction of new locomotives. Examples of such figures include: Antoni Xiężopolski, Wacław Łopuszyński, Albert Czeczott or Adolf Langrod.

The dynamically developing technical higher education in Poland after 2019, and in particular the mechanical faculties of the Lviv or Warsaw technical universities, resulted in the development of design offices in the emerging rail vehicle production plants such as Fablok, H. Cegielski, Warszawska Społka Akcyjna Budowy Parowozow or PZInż. in Ursus, as well as the establishment of organisational structures in the then Ministry of Transport (Ministerstwo Komunikacji) dealing with rail transport and in particular rail vehicles. Examples include: Department of Locomotive Construction (Katedra Budowy Lokomotyw) at the Warsaw University of Technology or the Experimental Division (Referat Doświadczalny) at the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the Ministry of Transport. One of the graduates of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the Warsaw University of Technology in 1928 was inż. Kazimierz Zembrzuski, who, in 1930, at the age of 25, began working in the construction bureau of the First Locomotive Factory in Poland in Chrzanow. After several years of work he designed, and then as head of the design team, supervised the construction of two prototypes of the Pm36 steam locomotive. One of these, at the International Exposition of Art and Technology in Modern Life in Paris, was exhibited in 1937. The article describes the course of development of the rolling stock construction and building industry at the beginning of the 20th century and the activities associated with the history of the Pm36 steam locomotive.

Keywords: Pm36 steam locomotive, K. Zembrzuski, Fablok
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3. Determination of directional angle of a railway route and curvature of the railway track axis on high-speed railways

Władysław Koc

Pages: 99-111

Summary. The paper describes the assumptions underlying two new calculation methods: the determination of the directional angle of a railway route and the determination of the curvature of a railway track axis. These methods use measurement data in the form of Cartesian coordinates of the track axis (obtained during the survey), while the basis for the calculation is the identification of a virtual chord projected in a horizontal plane, which connects two points on the track axis. The key role for the calculation is played here by the determined slope of the tangent to the track axis. Subsequently, an attempt was made to test the extent to which these methods correspond to the conditions specific for high-speed railways. This was illustrated using two calculation examples involving geometric layouts for speeds of 260 km/h and 350 km/h. In order to keep the applicability to reality to a greater extent, a decision was made to obtain hypothetical measurement data by virtual modification of these layouts. Qualitatively, the results of the analysis carried out were no different from previous analyses relating to standard railways. In particular, they confirmed beyond doubt the suitability of the methods considered for determining the directional angle of the railway route and determining the curvature of the railway track axis on high-speed railways. As shown, for use on these railways, a chord length of lc = 100 m should be recommended.

Keywords railway, high-speed rail, directional angle of a railway route, curvature of the railway track axis, calculation algorithms, example geometric layouts
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4. Railway Buffer Stops
Dariusz Kowalczyk

Pages: 113-126

Summary: Track end devices are highly significant structures, not only in rail transport. This paper presents and describes several instances of vehicle collisions with track end devices (buffer stops), demonstrating the substantial impact of these devices on safety, the effectiveness of their design, and the reduction (decrease) of damage. An analysis was conducted of the requirements for older track end device designs according to BN-79 9310-06
“Buffer Stops” and the currently applicable regulations.The paper also outlines the guidelines for newly designed track end constructions, as mandated for PKP PLK railway lines and outlined in the document “Railway Track Superstructure – Volume 1” 2021 It describes examples of track end device designs, including fixed (non-sliding) and sliding types. Explicit finite element method (FEM) calculations were performed using the ANSYS Mechanical R2023 software, simulating the process of a vehicle colliding with a buffer stop (fixed, non-sliding). The design of track end devices constructed according to the requirements of the industry standard BN-79 9310-06, which are still frequently found in railway infrastructure, was evaluated.

Keywords: buffer stop, sliding buffer stops, fixed buffer stops
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5. Carbon Footprint in Rail Transport
Jolanta Maria Radziszewska-Wolińska, Maria Łyszcz

Pages: 127-133

Summary:

This article discusses the concept of the carbon footprint, which represents the total sum of greenhouse gas emissions caused directly or indirectly by a given entity (person, organisation, event, or product). It characterises the currently used methods for calculating and presenting the carbon footprint, based on the ISO 14067:2018 standard and the ISO 14040:2009 series of standards. Furthermore, it presents the carbon footprint in relation to different means of transport.

The analysis reveals that the highest amount of greenhouse gases originates from road transport, while the lowest comes from rail transport. However, it is important to note that for each journey and its associated carbon footprint, factors such as emissions generated during the production of components and their transportation to vehicle manufacturers, emissions from the vehicle manufacturing process and their deployment into service, as well as the construction of necessary infrastructure, must be taken into account. The article also demonstrates that the construction of new high-speed railway lines contributes to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions in transport. Additionally, it suggests re-evaluating the feasibility of developing intermodal freight transport.

Keywords: ecological footprint, greenhouse gases, means of transport, intermodal transport
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Issue No. 201, 2024

Editorial
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1. Factors Influencing the Use of Regional Rail Transport Based on the Example of the Lubelskie Voivodeship
Marek Graff

Pages: 79-100

SummaryTheRailway reconditioning, i.e., infrastructure repairs and purchases of new rolling stock plus reconditioning of in-service vehicles in the Lubelskie Voivodeship, has been successfully implemented for several years, with the advent of EU aid funds. The first investment project was the construction of a short railway line (< 4 km) to an airport near Lublin, carried out as part of preparations for EURO 2012 (the line has been used since late 2012), i.e., the European Football Championship organized by Poland and Ukraine. Further investment projects soon followed, including the electrification of the LK 68 Lublin – Stalowa Wola, the reconditioning of the LK 7 Warsaw – Lublin, and the rebuilding of Lublin Główny station. Other eff orts included the revitalization of LK 30 Łuków – Lublin and work on LK 72 Zamość – Hrubieszów. Further, the reconstruction of the stations in Biała Podlaska, Małaszewicze, and Terespol was completed, together with the reconditioning of the LK 2, playing a vital role in freight connections with Russia and Belarus. However, the importance of this railway line has significantly decreased after February 2022 (due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine). The Broad-Gauge Metallurgical Railway Line (LHS)has been revitalized, and its importance in communication with Ukraine has significantly increased. However, the metropolitan railway connecting Lublin with Chełm and Zamość as well as the district cities of Puławy, Kraśnik, Parczew, and Lubartów has not been launched (a concept for a Lublin region metropolitan railway is under development).

Keywords: Lublin, Eastern Poland Programme, Kolej+ Programme, reconditioning, LK 7, LK 68, LHS
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 2. Determination of the Susceptibility of the Rail Running Surface to Cracks
Ireneusz Mikłaszewicz, Robert Bińkowski, Jakub Michalik, Michał Szymański

Pages: 101-108

Summary. The The article presents one of the main types of rail defects – cracking – and the factors that influence its size. A new test method was used, involving pressing a 60° cone into a prepared rail section. It was found that the forming surface crushing of the material caused by the load, as well as the driving dynamics of the rolling stock, is the reason for the formation of head checks on the rail surface. Additionally, it was observed that the structure of the layer of the rail running surface has a significant impact on the formation of cracks. A method was proposed to determine thesusceptibility of the rail running surface to rail defect formation using the Wp coefficient.

Keywords: rail head check, running surface, susceptibility coefficient
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3. RFID Technology in Railway Traffic Management and Signaling − Simulation Tests on an Experimental Track

Jarosław Moczarski

Pages: 109-118

Summary. RFID technology is increasingly used in various industries. This is because it makes it possible to identify and locate moving objects and facilitates the automation of processes and their control. Digitisation of information allows its rapid processing and transfer between different levels of decision-making. Experiments carried out by the author on the test stand’s experimental track have confirmed the advisability of using RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) technology in rail transport, both in the area of freight management and in train traffic control. Simulations have shown that an RFID system makes it possible to detect moving rolling stock, check the continuity of a train and determine where the train ends. It locates and identifies trains, railcars and cargo, and allows automatic train traffic control by displaying appropriate signals on automatic block signalling systems. Together with a vision system, it detects dangerous shift of transported loads. The research results can be used as a basis for experimental implementation and verification of the applied solutions in real operating conditions.

Keywords RFID technology, modelling and simulation, rolling stock location and identification, signalling
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4. Environmental Impacts of High-Speed Rail. Part 1: Acoustic Impacts
Krzysztof Polak

Pages: 119-126

Summary: Railway This article describes issues related to the environmental impact of vibrations generated by high-speed rail. It indicates the most important legal regulations concerning the impact of vibrations on buildings and people in the buildings as well as the main sources of vibrations generated by high-speed rail. The negative impact of vibrations on various elements of the environment (people, buildings, animals) in the stage of construction, operation and decommissioning of high-speed rail is determined. The most common ways of minimising that type of impact are outlined.

Keywords: vibrations, high-speed rail, environmental impact of high-speed rail
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5. Materials and Products that do not Meet Fire Protection Requirements but Are Permitted for Use in Rolling Stock Due to Functional Necessity
Izabela Tarka, Danuta Milczarek, Aneta Świetlik

Pages: 127-136

Summary: Ensuring fi re safety in rolling stock is related to the use of materials and products that meet the required fi re properties presented in particular in the EN 45545-2 standard. However, there are situations in which the fi re protection guidelines cannot always be met due to other requirements, e.g. those related to the safe use of the material or component or its functionality in the vehicle. This paper outlines the principles enabling materials/products to be approved for use in rolling stock in such cases, based on the functional necessity of their application according to clause 4.7 of EN 45545-2. The possibilities of approving components under this clause should be subject to thorough analysis to ultimately determine the risk of their use, in accordance with the principles of the Common Safety Method relating to risk evaluation and assessment.

Keywords: fire safety, specified materials, risk evaluation and assessmentts
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Issue No. 179, 2018

Editorial
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1. Accreditation of Calibration Procedures for Specialised Measuring Instruments Utilized in Railway Transport; Selected Issues
Klaudia Bednaruk

Pages: 7-11

Summary: The paper presents issues associated with the calibration and supervision of railway specific measuring instruments. It starts with considerations regarding the benefits associated with the measuring instruments calibration, especially regarding calibration performed by accredited laboratories. Attention is paid to the importance of maintaining traceability and keeping knowledge about measuring instruments’ errors in the context of railway transport safety. It analyses why the number of metrological laboratories offering accredited calibration of railway specific instruments in Poland is insufficient. The paper makes use of the experience of the Railway Institute Metrological Laboratory. In particular, it uses experience gained in 2017 during the accreditation of AC resistance measurements, which are utilized for accredited measurements of the resistance of slippers with fastening systems, wheel wear profile measurements with analogue callipers, buffer centre line height over rails running surface measurements and wheel tread diameter measurements based on two contact-points.

Keywords: calibration, accreditation, measuring instruments
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2. ICT in the Polish Railway Industry
Stanisław Gago

Pages: 13-19

Summary: The article intends to discuss the impact of the development of IT and logistics systems on the development of ICT networks in the context of practical application in the area of transport, especially in the area of railway transport in Poland. At present, PKP PLK is involved in the construction of a teletransmission network, to be used mainly with ERTMS. Ac-cording to the author, development of the network should be planned in such a way that this network is able to satisfy the current and future needs of all railway companies in the area of data transmission, making it possible for such railway companies to extend their range of ICT services to include other forms of transport. Systems of railway traffic control should be established within a physically isolated fibre-optic network (isolated fibres in fibre-optic cables).

Keywords: Broadband ICT networks, 5G technologies, ICT in the railway industry, Internet of Things (IoT), Physical Internet (PI)
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3. The Analysis of Selected Issues of Signalling System Selection for a Railway Line with Set Railway Service and Traffic Parameter
Magdalena Kycko, Wiesław Zabłocki

Pages: 21-26

Summary: One of the essential elements of the railway transport modernization in Poland is the implementation of modern systems of interoperable ERTMS / ETCS (European Rail Traffic Management System / European Train Control System) fulfilling the tasks and functions of CCS (control-command and signalling) systems. The investment process including the implementation of ERTMS / ETCS requires prior development of a number of documents, which include feasibility study, terms of reference, a description of the contract and many others. The initiation of the investment process is preceded by a series of activities including the evaluation and selection of the right target railway traffic control system for the selected railway line. Due to the interoperability requirements, it becomes necessary to develop methods for assessment of the possible ERTMS / ETCS configurations and later selection of a configuration for a railway line with predefined service and traffic parameters. The aim of the publication is to present a concept that can be considered as the basis for methods of analysis and rail control traffic system selection. The sample line, which was selected to carry out research and analysis, is a section of the selected railway line section of the railway line No. 7 due to its strategic location and traffic load.

Keywords: system, rail traffic control, ERTMS/ETC
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4. The Central Polish Airport in the Rail Transport System
Agata Pomykała

Pages: 27-35

Summary: The implementation of a multi-faceted undertaking related to the preparation, construction and commissioning of the Central Polish Airport (CPK) requires efficient transport. The selected location – 30 km from Warsaw, near Grodzisk Mazowiecki, where there already is a large concentration of transport routes and high speed railway lines are planned for construction – will facilitate the completion of this project. The article presents the transport environment of the CPK, the significant conditions and the capabilities in terms of transporting passengers to and from the airport by rail, including the division into metropolitan area and regional traffic and considering long-distance traffic, as well. One of the key requirements for the success of the project will be integrating the airport with the regional, national and international railway networks.

Keywords: railway transport, airport, transport system, integration
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5. The Accessibility of Transport as an Economic Category
Zdzisław Wojdygowski

Pages: 37-48

Summary: This article attempts to organize concepts, classifications and methods of measurement, as well as to identify the factors affecting the accessibility of transport. The available reference literature does not offer a uniform, clear and unambiguous definition of transport accessibility. Due to the necessity for a change in the direction of transport policy in relation to the development of transport, the need for a more precise interpretation of transport accessibility, essential to research or practice, has been emphasized herein. The accessibility of transport as an economic category is placed in the areas of both the supply of services and transportation needs. The importance of the issue of transport accessibility stems from the role played by transport – an area of crucial importance in ensuring economic growth of the country. The passenger transport market in Poland is an example of the significance of the linear and nodal transport infrastructure as a factor determining the quality of transport accessibility. There is also emphasis on the necessity for a gradual modernization of the transport infrastructure with the aim of improving the level of services to guarantee that the quality-related needs of today’s customers are met.

Keywords: transport accessibility, transport infrastructure, railway infrastructure
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6. Tests of Running Safety Under Large Compressive Longitudinal Forces
Andrzej Zbieć

Pages: 49-57

Summary: The article presents the cause of derailment of empty two-axle wagons placed in long freight train-sets together with bogie wagons, as well as research conducted to prevent this phenomenon, which was concluded by introducing appropriate statements in the UIC leaflet 530-2, and then in the European Standard EN 15839. It also presents activities undertaken during the preparation and performance of the tests, requirements for the test track and for the wagons’ composition in the train-set, conditions during the tests, values being measured and respective evaluation criteria, principles applicable to the result analysis, as well as a sample chart for a single ride and regressions for various criterions. Examples of wagons which were tested in this way are also given.

Keywords: running safety; reverse shunting test; longitudinal forces
 full text (PDF 5 536 kB)