Historical and Ongoing Displacements on a Rail Corridor Monitored with Millimetric Accuracy
Northern Ireland Rail - Ireland, United Kingdom
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Historical and ongoing displacements on the rail corridor could be monitored with millimetric accuracy.
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There was no need to close the track for inspection.
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The entire network could be monitored regularly.
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Interested to learn how SAR can access retrospective data to analysis? Read this blog post after this case study...
Highlights
An estimated 15 million passengers a year travel on Northern Ireland’s national railway network. Their safety, as well as the resilience of the railway itself, relies on regular monitoring of the rail corridor. Geofem performed a pilot study using satellite data to assess the susceptibility to geohazards of critical sections of the network.
The Challenge: Gaps in Traditional Inspection Methods
The 363 km railway network needs regular monitoring to detect potential risks. However, traditional visual inspections are typically performed only once a year, leaving long intervals between assessments. This gap means that subtle ground movements or structural changes can go unnoticed, potentially leading to safety risks. Additionally, conducting in-person surveys of the rail corridor often requires temporary closures of railway lines to ensure worker safety, resulting in service disruptions.
The Solution: Leveraging DInSAR for Continuous Monitoring
Geofem utilised Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR) technology to provide a comprehensive, remote analysis of the railway corridor. Track components and ballast, which form ideal scatterers, were analysed using satellite data to detect even millimetric displacements across the network. This approach is particularly effective in areas with dense vegetation, where traditional monitoring methods may be less effective.
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Historical displacement data from September 2020 to September 2022 was analysed to identify trends in ground movement. This data helped detect sections of the railway experiencing higher rates of displacement, enabling targeted interventions before major issues arise.
The Benefits: Safe, Non-Disruptive, and Sustainable
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No Site Visits Required: DInSAR technology allows for remote monitoring, eliminating the need for physical site inspections. This not only ensures worker safety but also avoids disruptions to railway services.
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Millimetric Precision: The satellite data provides highly accurate measurements of displacement, ensuring that even the smallest ground movements are detected early.
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Accessible Data: The displacement data is available on a web-based GIS platform, which can be accessed from any device with internet connectivity, offering convenience for stakeholders and decision-makers.
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Low Carbon Footprint: By eliminating the need for in-person surveys and minimizing service disruptions, the DInSAR analysis offers a sustainable, low-impact approach to infrastructure monitoring.
The Solution: Leveraging DInSAR for Continuous Monitoring
Geofem’s pilot study demonstrates the potential of DInSAR technology to enhance the safety and reliability of Northern Ireland’s railway network. The ability to remotely monitor large areas of the rail corridor with millimetric precision ensures early detection of geohazards and helps minimise the risk of service disruptions. This non-invasive, cost-effective method is a significant step forward in maintaining infrastructure resilience.
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For more information on how satellite-based geohazard monitoring can benefit your transportation infrastructure, contact Geofem today.