A risk assessment method for "Eurobalise" fastening system: managing the sensor/sleeper interaction in the high-speed railway infrastructure

Abstract The aim of this research is to define a breakage limit for the fastening system of the "Eurobalise" device of the ERTMS/ETCS rail signalling system on the European railways. The widespread presence of the system along the European railway line and the increasing of high-speed lines have led the research to find design solutions able to increase the attack system strength, avoiding its detachment from the sleepers. Mechanical tests on tensile, shear and bending configurations have been carried out to evaluate the jointing systems between Eurobalise and sleepers. Additional full-scale tests allowed the definition of the load actions and of the breaking points. The connection between balise and sleepers is able to react to the train’s aerodynamic actions, confirming the system reliability even for the passage of high-speed trains. Through the experimental approach were defined standard test procedures useful to improve the sheet data of this kind of fastening system.