High speed rail infrastructure and rolling stock design: Case of Finland
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Journal Title
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Insinööritieteiden korkeakoulu |
Master's thesis
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Authors
Date
2024-08-19
Department
Major/Subject
Sustainable Urban Mobility Transitions
Mcode
ENG3085
Degree programme
Master’s Programme in Urban Mobility
Language
en
Pages
111
Series
Abstract
In today's context of increasing demand for social equality, High Speed Rail (HSR), with operating speeds exceeding 250km/h, emerges as a solution to bring societies closer together, thereby reducing social disparities. HSR responds to multiple demands, addressing both the growing need for accessibility and responding to the urgent need of reducing emissions associated with extensive car and air travel, especially the latter. Renowned for its exemplary safety record, high capacity, and notable energy efficiency, HSR occupies a central role in the transportation systems, driving rapid expansion around the world. In Finland, substantial experience in operating trains at a maximum speed up to 220km/h exists, but there is no capability above this threshold. Although previous research has explored the introduction of HSR in Nordic countries, there is a need for an updated examination tailored specifically to Finland. Given that there is an expanding interest in HSR projects in Finland, the limited local experience means that it is important to develop a holistic approach to HSR design that considers all stakeholders: passengers, railway personnel, operators, and the public. This research explores the considerations that arise in the design of the infrastructure and rolling stock for HSR within the challenging context of Finland's long and severe winters, along with Finnish railway unique technical characteristics, with particular focus on the Itärata line. The study aims to identify the particularities of HSR infrastructure and rolling stock compared to conventional rail lines, while also distinguishing it from HSR projects in other global contexts. Additionally, to ensure these aspects are understood within the whole rail network, the study identifies critical aspects for ensuring interoperability between HSR and the wider rail network. Emphasizing the importance of the design phase, the study analyzes fundamental HSR components, identifies potential challenges and solutions to ensure reliable and safe service while assuring efficient system design and operations. The study incorporates expert interviews from both local and international context to gain a broad understanding on the matter. Central to the methodology is the adoption of a systems thinking approach, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of relations among various elements of the railway infrastructure and operational processes. Key findings highlight that HSR systems impose more stringent requirements on both infrastructure and rolling stock to fulfill safety standards and passenger comfort. Notably, straighter, and flatter track geometries, bigger track separations, and more precise tolerances for geometry imperfections emerge as essential infrastructural adaptations. Similarly, rolling stock must exhibit increased robustness and have the power to operate at higher speeds. Most winter challenges remain consistent as speed increases, but certain factors have a greater impact, with ice dropping on the track bed being the most significant concern. In addition, ensuring interoperability requires meticulous consideration of track gauge, structural gauge, and electrical systems. In conclusion, these implications underscore the unique challenges that the introduction of HSR in Finland must address, with some presenting substantial cost implications while others demand innovative solutions. By identifying these special points of consideration, the research contributes to the understanding of the com-plexities inherent in implementing HSR within Finland's distinctive operational context, while opening specific focal points for further analysis.Description
Supervisor
Mladenović, MilosThesis advisor
Mäkelä, EsaKeywords
high speed rail, infrastructure, rolling stock, winter conditions