In today’s rail industry, the ability to anticipate, plan and execute maintenance with precision is central to safety, performance and cost efficiency.
Loram’s analytical track condition tool combines advanced Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Lidar scanning and intelligent data analysis to deliver the most accurate and actionable information available.
The foundation
The fundamental indicator of track condition is track geometry. Track geometry refers to the lines, curves, profiles and gauge that define the railway’s alignment. When geometry deteriorates, ride quality suffers, safety margins diminish and maintenance costs escalate. Inspection vehicles measure geometry roughness and, when assessed over time, this data reveals the performance trends and deterioration rate of the track.
A well-maintained geometry is directly dependent on the condition of ballast and drainage. By analysing successive inspection runs, Loram can determine how ballast and drainage are performing, and whether deterioration is accelerating in particular segments of the network.
Going deeper
While track geometry gives a performance-based view, it cannot explain the underlying causes of degradation on its own. This is where Loram’s integrated technologies step in.
Ground Penetrating Radar provides continuous, high-resolution insights into the subsurface. It identifies fouling levels within ballast, detects moisture accumulation, and measures the thickness and configuration of critical layers between the ballast and the subgrade. This is crucial in pinpointing whether geometry issues are driven by ballast contamination, weak formation or drainage deficiencies.
Complementing GPR, Lidar scans provide detailed corridor information, mapping surface features, drainage paths and surrounding terrain. When precisely aligned with GPR and track geometry data using differential GPS, Lidar enhances understanding of both track and corridor health, enabling engineers to see the full context of deterioration.
The Rail Doctor advantage
At the centre of Loram’s capability is Rail Doctor, a proprietary analysis platform that integrates track geometry, GPR, Lidar and historical performance data. Rail Doctor goes beyond raw measurement, it transforms disparate datasets into intuitive visualisations and actionable insights, highlighting root causes of poor track performance.
This integration allows railways to quickly assess ballast condition, drainage effectiveness and the relationship between geometry roughness and substructure health. With this clarity, maintenance decisions can be made with confidence.
Turning data into action
Accurate diagnosis is only valuable if it leads to effective action. Loram’s analytics directly inform maintenance planning by identifying where tamping will deliver results, where ballast cleaning is required, or where drainage interventions such as ditching should be prioritised.
Rail Doctor enables railway operators to prioritise work, optimise budgets and build long-term renewal strategies. The outcome is a shift from reactive maintenance to a predictive and proactive model, reducing both risk and cost.
Execution with industry-leading equipment
Once the analysis highlights the necessary work, Loram delivers execution with precision. Its fleet of specialised equipment includes:
TrackVac for fouled ballast removal.
Shoulder Ballast Cleaners and Full Section Undercutters to restore ballast quality and stability.
Badger Ditchers, Slot Machines and Self-Powered Slot systems to address drainage, cutting ditches, and directing water away from the track.
These machines are built to industry-leading standards of productivity and reliability, ensuring that prescribed maintenance translates into measurable track improvements.
Driving innovation
Loram continues to advance its solutions through automation and artificial intelligence. Automated data collection is reducing inspection time, while Artificial Intelligence-driven analysis accelerates the speed and accuracy of diagnostics. These developments further enhance Rail Doctor’s ability to provide near real-time recommendations for track maintenance.
Transforming maintenance management
The combination of GPR, Lidar, Rail Doctor analytics and advanced maintenance execution gives it a unique position in the rail industry. By integrating data, diagnosing root causes, and delivering targeted maintenance with precision machinery, Loram ensures that railways can:
- Improve track safety and reliability.
- Reduce lifecycle costs through proactive maintenance.
- Maximise the service life of track assets
- Plan budgets and resources with greater confidence.
Darren Riley, Sales Manager for Loram Western Australia, said: “In a sector where efficiency and safety are paramount, Loram’s integrated approach transforms how railways view, manage and maintain their infrastructure. “The future of rail maintenance lies in data-driven decision making, and Loram is at the forefront of enabling that future.”
