Applicability of video gauge for the assessment of track displacement

Numerous techniques have been used for the measurement of the track displacements and consequently the assessment of track stiffness. Some of the most commonly employed are linear variable displacement transducers (LVDTs), geophones and older video monitoring techniques based on Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). In this paper, the application of the Video Gauge, a relatively new technique, is investigated. This technique can be seen as a quick and reliable way to capture data of high quality and resolution, which can be directly employed for the evaluation of track displacement and hence stiffness.The Video Gauge is used at three different track sites measuring different ballasted track components under various train speeds and types.