Discomfort Limits Provided by Railroad Crossings to Passenger Cars

Abstract

Railroad crossings occupy an important place in the transport network and human life in urban transport networks that develop due to increasing urban populations. A railroad crossing is a type of pavement distress accepted by the authorities due to its direct effect on ride comfort. The study determined the level of discomfort that passenger cars are exposed to at railroad crossings. In this context, vibration measurements were made at different speeds on-road profiles with known geometries with a passenger car. The vibration data recorded within the scope of the study was characterised and evaluated using the weighted root-mean-square acceleration (a(w)) parameter defined in ISO 2631 standard. With the help of these data, a vehicle dynamic model was calibrated, and vehicle responses were digitised. Subsequently, vibration data were recorded from railroad crossings with different distress severities: low, medium, and high at different ride speeds. By comparing the vibration data, the compliance of railroad crossings with the road classifications accepted in the ISO 8608 standard was investigated. This modelling determined the levels of discomfort that a person riding in a passenger car is exposed to on passages double-track and single-track railroad crossings at different ride speeds within the city.