GRAFTII is the UK’s largest cyclic testing facility for railway track at 1:1 scale. It uses 6 independent hydraulic rams to simulate years worth of train passages in a matter of days.

A large (580mm3) true triaxial cell is capable of simulating the complex 3D stress patterns during train passage, thus allowing for new track materials to be developed.

Development of track based sensing technologies to diagnose the vehicle and track conditions/deterioration and aid to develop and implement novel predictive maintenance strategies for the rail network.

Development and testing of new track technologies such as:
i) Novel embankment structures for high speed lines, and;
ii) Asphaltic track to improve track longevity in areas of low stiffness subgrade.

Expertise on pantograph-catenary testing and simulation studies involving;
i) Pantograph-catenary acceptance criteria;
ii) Interoperability studies;
iii) Multiple pantograph operations;
iv) Aerodynamic effects and losses of contact;
v) Catenary damping sensitiveness, and;
vi) Dynamic response on overlap sections.

Expertise in developing advanced numerical models and optimization procedures to design innovative solutions to improve running safety and ride quality of rail transport.

Development of advanced numerical tools to study the factors that promote the wear evolution on the wheels and rails and the degradation of the vehicles suspension and structural elements.