Tamping Optimization

“Switches & Crossings are one of our most critical, complex and troublesome infrastructure assets” – Network Rail*

Switches & Crossings (S&Cs) are used to guide trains from one track to another. They are one of the most troublesome asset classes, accounting for 20-30% of infrastructure related delays. During CP5, S&C failures on Network Rail infrastructure caused 24M delay minutes and amassed £364M in delay minute costs. Globally, £11B spent is spent annually on S&C maintenance and replacement.

Optimizing Tamping Costs

Tamping and ballast renewals are highly disruptive and expensive activities, costing up to €5 million per kilometer. As a result of the costs involved and the limited opportunities to conduct tamping, it must be carried out at the optimal time and only when needed.​

Using a RailGuard IIOT device on the track that provides real-time and historical data, the RailGuard will provide Predictive Maintenance by monitoring the placement and movement of the sleepers.

Once the tamping have been completed, RailGuard delivers detailed data to validate successful tamping operations.