STRUCTURE GAUGING - MAXIMIZING THE USE OF RESTRICTED CLEARANCE

Structure gauging is the process for ensuring that a particular railwa y vehicle or train can pass safely along a particular route under all operating conditions without coming unacceptably close to lineside str uctures or vehicles on adjacent tracks. This paper reviews some the ba ckground to the development of the gauging methods in use at present, identifies areas where attention is likely to be concentrated in the n ear future and considers possible longer term developments. The paper concentrates on the methods developed and used within the UK but does also consider other methods such as those in use by other UIC railways .