Grant: Alliance Grants

The project aims to build an intelligent railway infrastructure monitoring platform, and preventive maintenance to improve infrastructure resilience and safety. The objectives of this project are 1) To establish light-weight computer vision algorithms to interpret image and video data of visible defects for rail track components and foundation; 2) To develop multi-dimensional anomaly detection and pattern recognition algorithms for invisible defects and early warning system of rail track and foundation conditions; 3) To develop short-term and long-term predictive maintenance models for dynamic maintenance schedules and risk mitigation plan. The project will be carried out jointly by Western University, ApoSys Technologies Inc. and National Research Council of Canada. The collaborative project will yield new concepts, methodology (techniques and algorithms) and planning implications to timely identify potential faults and defects in railway infrastructure before they lead to a failure, allowing maintenance to be scheduled at convenient times, minimizing the impact on operations and reducing downtime and cost with delays or overlooked maintenance. The data and models analyzed through the project can help inform decision-making of investments in railway infrastructure, allowing for targeted and cost-effective maintenance and upgrades. By monitoring safety and enabling more efficient use of resources, the research can contribute to a more safe, sustainable and robust railway system. Today, around 70% of all intercity surface freight and half of Canada's exports are moved by rail. In 2021, Canada's railways invested $2.3 billion in new capital programs for growth and service enhancements, where track and roadway reflected 40% of capital expenditures. By developing technologies and practices, the project will advance the Canadian railway system to remain safe and effective, support economic growth and improve the supply chain efficiency. The forefront of research also strengthens Canadian infrastructure resilience and sustainability pathways and brings together the goals of a safer, reliable and resilient railway system and infrastructure.