Dynamic testing of railway metal culvert using geodetic methods

Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Opole University of Technology, 45-061 Opole, Poland

^* Corresponding author: d.beben@po.opole.pl

Abstract

The objective of the study was to compare and assess suitability of two methods of geodetic measurements (tachymetry i interferometry) used to determine changes of the geometric condition of building and engineering structures. The paper presents the selected results of experimental tests under dynamic loads that were conducted on a railway metal culvert. The dynamic loads were caused by the passages of various trains. The measurements were made for all trains which had been running over the culvert during a 24 hour period. Advantages and disadvantages of both applied methods were characterized. The disadvantage of the tachymetry method is the discreteness of measurements and the lack of the possibility of verifying the results after finishing the field works. The tachymetry measurements were conducted using precise tachymetry manufactured by Leica TC2002. The IBIS microwave coherent radar was used in the interferometry method. Moreover, a special microwave horns IBIS-H23 type with a maximum gain of 23 dBi were used as the interferometer antennas (transmitting and receiving). Conclusions drawn from the tests can be helpful in the measurements of such culverts.