Turnout geometry on real dynamic conditions
Non-contact laser-based inspection of turnouts and crossings under loaded condition
What is Plasser TurnoutGeometry?
Plasser TurnoutGeometry is a modular, non-contact measuring system for automated inspection of turnouts and crossings. Based on high- frequency laser triangulation, it captures rail and turnout component cross-sections under loaded condition and calculates turnout, crossing, and track geometry parameters. Suitable for installation on different vehicle platforms, from track inspection vehicles to unmanned wagons, the system supports fast measuring runs without requiring staff on track. It also provides track geometry data according to EN 13848-1/-2, as well as information on rail profile and rail wear.
Benefits
- Reliable loaded-condition measurements
- Reduced need for on-track inspections
- Faster turnout condition assessment
- Objective evaluation of safety dimensions
- Integrated geometry and rail wear data
- Flexible deployment across vehicle platforms
- Compliant with EN 13848-2
Laser-based turnout measurement
Plasser TurnoutGeometry uses high-frequency laser triangulation and an advanced inertial measurement unit for fast and precise non- contact measurement. Multiple laser lines are projected onto rails and turnout components, while cameras capture complete cross-sections of any relevant turnout element for automated profile calculation. Dedicated algorithms derive turnout, crossing, and track geometry parameters in an orthogonal coordinate system.
Complete cross-section acquisition
The system captures the full rail and turnout component profile for automated evaluation of customer-specific parameters. Depending on operating speed and configuration, measurements can be acquired with a spatial sampling step up to 5 mm, supporting detailed assessment of turnout and crossing areas.
Automated turnout identification
Plasser TurnoutGeometry automatically detects turnouts and crossings while travelling across main lines and yards, recognizing different layouts and key elements such as switch toes and common crossings. Different routes through the same turnout can be measured in separate runs; by matching detected assets with network models, the software assigns each dataset to the correct asset and consolidates all routes into one report with model-specific calculation and assessment rules.
Loaded-condition assessment and reporting
Measurements are performed under vehicle load, supporting evaluation of the real condition of turnout and crossing components during inspection runs. The system automatically generates asset status reports with measured parameters, limit exceedances, and alarms, helping maintenance teams assess condition and prioritize follow-up actions.
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