The system is designed for checking track clearance and the ballast bed profile. It consists of a rotating laser scanner mounted on one end of the recording car which measures the distance from the scanner to the track surroundings and to the track bed. Measurements are taken up to 10000 times per revolution with a rate of up to 100 revolutions per second. The measured data are stored lined-up with all other measuring data in the geometry data file.
The system software simultaneously compares the measured data to up to three different clearance envelopes in real-time. Infringements are shown in the clearance exception report. In curves, clearance profiles are adjusted for vehicle specific overhang using the curvature measured by the track geometry measuring system.
At the same time, the system checks the ballast distribution along the track. By simultaneous comparison of the actual ballast profile with up to three different ballast profiles, the software calculates whether there is an excess or deficit of ballast at any given location and gives the respective quantities.
The system also measures the lateral and vertical distances to the adjacent track axis and station platforms.
The laser system is eye safe and not influenced by ambient light.
