Avalanche Total Track Monitoring uses battery-powered remote condition monitoring tilt and position centres mounted on posts, which are dislodged when an avalanche occurs. LB Foster says the sensors are small and inexpensive, making them suitable for deployment along long sections of vulnerable track.
When an avalanche occurs, G-force accelerometer sensors are triggered. Event data is automatically relayed to an information gateway and a HMI alerts the traffic control centre to the event. Controllers can log in remotely to view the event in real-time using an optional solar-powered CCTV system.
The data management software captures, stores and analyses event data, providing detailed intelligence on the regularity and severity of avalanches and rockfalls.
The system is already in use with four Class 1 railways in North America.
