A vital instrument in asset management

The weigh-in-motion (WIM) system Quo Vadis has been implemented on the rail network in the Netherlands. The system was developed by ProRail, Baas R&D and NedTrain Consulting and was initiated by the implementation of the EU directive 2001/14 which specifies that the track access charge must be cost-related. Quo Vadis was developed for measuring the loads of passing trains, using advanced fibre optic sensor technology. Details are given of the measuring system. The implementation of Quo Vadis has resulted in improved wheel quality and reductions in repair costs, the number of broken springs and number of hot axles. ProRail has gained a better insight into the traffic performance on the network. The information derived from the measurements is important for the development of new inspection and maintenance strategies. The information can also be used for statistical analysis to explain the behaviour, life spans and performance of infrastructural assets.