Detection of buried services in track

Tender description

The project seeks to identify opportunities to develop a technological solution which can identify the presence of buried obstructions in advance of core track renewals activities, and will form part of the pre-construction information pack. These obstacles can impede the normal operation of Network Rail’s ballast cleaning system (BCS) or Track Renewals systems (TRS). The location and depth of obstructions which cross under the track or run parallel with it, and may therefore fall within the sub-ground operating envelope of the BCS or TRS, are to be identified. The system may also be employed for conventional track renewal methodologies, where finding buried assets is important. Lot 1: Development of a machine to provide the below information relating to buried obstacles below track level: 1. Buried items within the excavation envelope of the BCS, TRS or conventional track renewals systems 2. Buried services that may be within the excavation envelope of Network Rails BCS, TRS or conventional track renewals systems 3. Other buried sub-ground infrastructure such as under-bridge or platform foundations or drainage systems within the excavation envelope of BCS, TRS or conventional track renewals systems, which cross under the track or run parallel with the alignment of the track. With regards to Items 2 and 3, the depth and position of obstacles shall be required.