New Offer: Eurailtest Performs Overhead Contact Line Geometry Monitoring

In July 2017, the first ever tram line, with a length of 14.25 km, was inaugurated in the city of Sidi Bel Abbès. To validate the infrastructure delivered by the contractor, it was necessary to monitor the dynamic behaviour of the overhead contact line (OCL).

It was in this connection that railway electrification and signalling specialist ENGIE INEO RAIL, the “system” contractor, called on the services of EURAILTEST.

These consisted of measuring the geometry of the overhead contact line (position of masts, height, stagger, wear control index) using a tram equipped with sensors for the purpose. The data captured then had to be compared with the theoretical line installation values.

By using a “plug-and-play” measuring system adaptable to all forms of rolling stock, the tram could be fitted with the requisite instruments and measurements conducted within a minimum of time. The system has already proved its ability to produce quality measurements even in rainy weather conditions.

A team from the LEM (Test and Measurement Laboratory) mechanical test unit (Mathieu GREGOIRE, Cyril FAYOS and Alexis DELATTRE) was therefore on site from 18 to 23 February 2018 to equip the tram and conduct the measurement test runs over the full length of the line’s two main tracks.