2006 - 2009

Aufgabenstellung
Unser Kunde, die Benannte Stelle SCONRAIL beauftragte PROSE mit der Prüfung des Allzweckbaggers A61B bezüglich der Lärmemissionen gemäss der Richtlinie 2000/14/EG (Geräuschemissionen von zur Verwendung im Freien vorgesehenen Geräten und Maschinen). Zudem wurde die Lärmbelastung am Fahrerplatz in der selben Kampagne mitgemessen.

Umsetzung
PROSE verfügt über die entsprechenden Experten und eine effiziente Organisation zur Durchführung der Prüfungen innert kurzer Zeit.

Kundennutzen
PROSE kann Lärmprüfungen sowohl nach der Richtlinie 2000/14/EG als auch nach der Schweizer Verordnung des UVEK über die Lärmemissionen von Geräten und Maschinen, die im Freien verwendet werden (Maschinenlärmverordnung MaLV) innert kürzester Zeit in der Schweiz durchführen.

Customer Requirement
Siemens Transportation requires an EC Type Examination Certificate (module SB) for the diesel electric EuroRunner ER20 locomotive in order to proof that the noise values fulfill the TSI CR Noise requirements. PROSE is assigned by SCONRAIL, a future Notified Body, to perform all necessary measurements.

Realisation
After the operational issues have been clarified by PROSE, the locomotive is transferred to Switzerland to perform the tests. PROSE is in charge of the entire operational services, including the driver-guide service, the test management and the execution of the measurements, i.e. the dynamic noise measurements at pass-by, with maximum acceleration and at constant speed inside the driver’s cab. Besides, the locomotive’s noise emissions are assessed for various service conditions during standstill.

Customer Advantage
Due to having a TSI reference track at its disposal, PROSE can successfully accomplish the entire test measurements within one week, thus return the locomotive swiftly to the customer.

Customer Requirement
The homologation of RENFE Mercancias’ S53 locomotive (TRAXX F140DC) has to be achieved for the Spanish broad gauge network. PROSE Ltd. is assigned to conduct the type tests for running dynamics and noise. Furthermore, the bogie load assumptions, used as the basis for the bogie design, have to be verified.

Realisation
As an accredited and certified test laboratory, PROSE Ltd. prepares all specifications, executes the type tests and evaluates the results in a report, which can be submitted directly to the authorities.

Customer Advantage
PROSE has the means to prepare and perform the type tests single handedly and thereby to facilitate the entire project organization. Furthermore, this enables a highly flexible realization of the test program, e.g. adapting the daily type test to the current weather conditions, thus minimizing waiting time and costs.

Customer Requirement
Bombardier assigns PROSE with the execution of all measurements required to receive the approval for the new low-floor vehicle INOVA for the Swiss Railway.

Realisation
In a first step, PROSE maps the specifications in cooperation with the customer. To enable the coordination of the multitude of required tests PROSE establishes an accurate timetable. The tests comprise the complete running dynamics type test in combination with comfort measurements, a breaking distance measurement as well as push-pull tests in a switch passage and noise tests. Some of the measurements are performed in different loading conditions, thus require a suitable loading to be found and loaded into the wagons. After the measuring runs a report is compiled containing all the necessary evaluations to enable the actual permission by the national authorizing body.

Customer Advantage
The measurements that are required to obtain the approval are accomplished within a very short time.

Customer Requirement
SBB (The Swiss Railway) assigns PROSE with the execution of all measurements required to receive the approval for refited regional train DOMINO for the Swiss Railway.

Realisation
To enable the coordination of the multitude of required tests PROSE establishes an accurate timetable. The tests comprise the complete running dynamics type test in combination with comfort measurements, a breaking distance measurement as well as push-pull tests in a switch passage and noise tests. Some of the measurements are performed in different loading conditions, thus require a suitable loading to be found and loaded into the wagons. After the measuring runs a report is compiled containing all the necessary evaluations to enable the actual permission by the national authorizing body.

Customer Advantage
All measurements could completed to optain the approval.

Customer Requirement
After the remodeling of the engine mountings our customer wants to compare the behaviors before and after the remodeling. PROSE is assigned to run the according tests.

Realisation
In order to establish a quantitative comparison of the transmission behavior of the vibrations during standstill and operation, PROSE fits supersensitive accelerometers to the engine mountings of two Am 6/6. The subsequent analysis of the measuring data enables to estimate the strain on the connections between the engine and the surrounding parts.

Customer Advantage
Due to the test results the customer gains precise information regarding the strain that is induced by the vibration of the engine and can use this knowledge as a basis to decide on remodeling the engine mounting of all its Am 6/6.

Customer Requirement
To perform braking distance measurements and the running dynamics type test according to the simplified method.

Realisation
The running dynamics tests according to the simplified method are performed on the line Freiburg – Palécieux, the braking distance measurements between Biel and Solothurn.

Customer Advantage
PROSE can offer a flexible planning of the tests and swift reaction to customer requests. Besides, the straightforward organization and contact with the authorizing body in Switzerland guarantee cost- and time-efficient test measurements.

Customer Requirement
Effective reduction of the maintenance costs, while at the same time enhancing the quality of the maintenance works. The following sub-goals have to be realized: Cost optimization of the maintenance works, implementation of lean maintenance processes in compliance with the existing ERP-solution, implementation of professional logistics, enabling the staff to enhance the processes continually.

Realisation
Six task groups work on the realization of the sub-goals under the lead of PROSE Ltd. A report is compiled listing the established criteria in combination with recommendations regarding the possibilities to enhance the efficiency as well as giving a cost estimate and stating the priorities.

Customer Advantage
The potential of the own staff is exploited optimally. Due to the intensive teamwork, management and staff find a common approach, while being motivated and encouraged to go for the positive change. Depending on the customer’s requirements and based on the initially defined project stages as well as within a clearly defined setting, PROSE can be of further assistance.

Customer Requirement
Professional project management of the buying process of the new rolling stock, i.e. drafting the decision basis for the commissioning. Consideration of the client-specific requirements regarding marketing, finances, technique and company. PROSE supports the external project management and acts as an agency.

Realisation
Under the direction of the project management and in compliance with a tight project schedule, the experts of zb draft an extensive Catalogue of Specifications. If required, external experts are called in (technique, contract law, standards, restoration…). Besides being involved in the actual project management, PROSE acts as an expert with regards to the bogies and the technical documentation.

Customer Advantage
Cost-effective supply, operation and maintenance of the required rolling stock on the basis of clearly defined, contractual terms. Increased attractiveness due to a client-friendly utilization concept with a high availability.

Customer Requirement
Due to the growing demands of the passengers, the law (disability law, etc.) and the increasing operational requirements, SBB has decided to completely refit their NPZ control and rail car. Supplemented by newly acquired low-floor vehicles they form the new Domino unit. As the refit results in a change of the weight distribution, PROSE is commissioned to assess the bogies regarding their stability, running and braking behavior and to adjust them accordingly. PROSE is also in charge of ensuring the mechanical integration of the new systems (train and vehicle bus system and modernized driver’s-cab control panel), compliance with the fire protection requirements according to DIN 5510 and conception and management of the readmission after the refit.

Realisation
The entire vehicle engineering is carried out by the underwriting group EHP (ENOTRAC, Helbling Technik and PROSE). The refit of the vehicles takes place at the SBB workshops in Olten and Yverdon. In a first stage, several concepts are developed in order to define – in cooperation with the customer – the best solution for each case. Based on these decisions, the necessary documentations for supply and production and assembly drawings are prepared and the engineering is executed. During the refitting PROSE engineers support the workshops in situ.

Customer Advantage
Due to the modernization of the NPZ control and rail cars, SBB disposes of rolling stock material that fulfills the latest requirements regarding comfort. The vehicle modernization makes sense from an economic point of view as it sustains earlier investments and is a cost-effective alternative to new acquisitions. The operating company saves time and money, while at the same time enhancing the attractiveness of the vehicles for the passengers in way that is comparable to new ones.

Customer Requirement
Siemens Ltd. assigns PROSE with the execution of all measurements required to receive the approval for the single deck passenger cars of the push-pull trains for Israel.

Realisation
In a first step, PROSE maps the specifications in cooperation with the customer. To enable the coordination of the multitude of required tests PROSE establishes an accurate timetable. As the general contractor we coordinate all measurements with our partners and supervise them and organize the operational services. The tests comprise the simplified running dynamics type test in combination with comfort measurements, a breaking distance measurement as well as push-pull tests in a switch passage, EMC and noise tests. Some of the measurements are performed in different loading conditions, thus require a suitable loading to be found and loaded into the wagons. The wagons are guarded to prevent them from being damaged. After the measuring runs a report is compiled containing all the necessary evaluations to enable the actual permission by the national authorizing body.

Customer Advantage
The measurements that are required to obtain the approval are accomplished within a very short time. The customer hardly needs to contribute own resources and can focus on his core business, besides being able to benefit from the cost-saving efficiency due to the integral handling of the tests.

Customer Requirement
MATISA needs evidence that its vehicles meet the noise limit values according to TSI CR Noise.

Realisation
Over a longer period, PROSE performs measurements on several different types of track service vehicles from MATISA – i.e. from the turnout transportation wagon to the track renewal train of 100m in length. The measurements are performed in compliance with TSI CR Noise and the according measuring reports are examined by PROSE’s subsidiary company SCONRAIL. If all the required TSI-standards are met, an EC Type Examination Certificate (module SB) is issued.

Customer Advantage
Instead of having to acquire the complex acoustic knowledge on the basis of cost-intensive trainings, the customer can rely on the experts of PROSE to perform the measurements and evaluate the data. Moreover, as PROSE is in charge of the entire test management, the measurements can be performed within a very short time, thereby saving costs. PROSE’s extensive acoustic knowhow and long experience enables to support MATISA efficiently in the acoustic optimization of its vehicles.

Customer Requirement
The wheel slide protection system of the new Irish Rail motor train sets of the type Class 22000 has to be type tested. The test train contains two power cars and one passenger unit.

Realisation
To realize the validation the measuring technology to monitor pressure, axle speed and control signal is mounted. Furthermore, a track irrigation plant is fitted to the train set.

Customer Advantage
The functioning of the wheel slide protection is validated successfully and due to the installed system, flats should not become an issue.

Customer Requirement
ALSTOM requires a certification stating that its multi-system-locomotive PRIMA is in compliance with TSI CR Noise. PROSE is assigned by the future Notified Body SCONRAIL to perform all the necessary measurements.

Realisation
After the operational issues have been clarified by PROSE, the locomotive is transferred to Switzerland in order to perform the tests. PROSE is in charge of the entire operational services, including the driver-guide service, the test management and execution of the measurements, i.e. noise measurements during pass-by, with maximum acceleration and inside the driver’s cab at maximum speed. Besides, the locomotive’s noise emissions are assessed for various service conditions during standstill.

Customer Advantage
The successful accomplishment of the acoustic type test enables a Notified Body to issue a certificate stating the compliance with the requirements of TSI CR Noise.

Customer Requirement
The locomotives Sr2 operate under the typical and harsh Finnish winter conditions that are equally challenging for the locomotives and the tracks and call for an extensive analysis of running dynamic behavior. Therefore, the actual service performance of two locomotives is to be recorded for several months. Each locomotive is fitted with a measuring system that records the accelerations of the vehicle during each run. It is crucial that the system is unmanned, i.e. the recording is automatically and maintenance-free, especially under harsh winter conditions.

Realisation
PROSE Ltd. develops a reliable working measuring system and fits it to the vehicles. The system records the accelerations as well as further information, e.g. the position of the vehicle by means of a GPS. The operation of the system is controlled via a GSM-modem. Finally, the substantial data amount is evaluated and the large amount of information summarized by means of a short presentation.

Customer Advantage
PROSE Ltd. is in charge of the entire measuring campaign – from fitting the system to the vehicles to the interpretation of the data. In the end the customer can rely on a substantial amount of data on the running behavior of the locomotives. Moreover, the synchronization of the measuring data with the track data enables to consider the influence of the track.

Customer Requirement
SIEMENS TS in Munich received the order from Queensland Railways (QR) to deliver 20 type Bo‘Bo‘Bo‘ electro locomotives, which should be an update of the existing QR 3700 to the state of the art. The SIEMENS Center of Competence for bogies in Graz (SIEMENS TS BG DE) commissioned PROSE to develop the associated two-axle end and centre bogies.

Realisation
In close collaboration with SIEMENS TS BG DE Graz the development, based on the existing concept, the layout calculation, structural analysis and running dynamic analysis as well as detail design and documentation have been realized by the PROSE team. The manufacturing takes place in Graz. Due to delivery dates and due to small quantities no cast parts were used; bogie frame, balancer and traction transmission are designed as welded constructions.

Customer Advantage
Thanks to the extensive experience of PROSE’s design team, this design is easy to assemble and low in service and maintenance efforts, resulting in advantageous costs of ownership. In serial production, the customer especially benefits from the unitized frame design for the end and centre bogie. Further, by considering various standard components from SIEMENS, the amount of new developments at subsystems can be avoided considerably.

Customer Requirement
CTC (Collectivité Territoriale de Corse) has ordered by the vehicle manufacturer CFD (Compagnie des Chemins de Fer Départementaux) 12 DMU’s, type AMG 800. Operator is CFC (Chemin de Fer de la Corse), a subsidiary of SNCF.
This order was placed together with the modernisation of whole railway infrastructure (rails, buildings, vehicles).
PROSE Ltd. was nominated by the manufacturer to perform the approval tests for the DMU.

Realisation
The following functions and characteristics were measured according specification and standards (UIC, EN) and documented:
The brake distances in any kind of operation and loading conditions and the thermal behaviour during cutting of the hydraulic brake system on mountain railway sections.
The power capacity of the traction equipment (2 diesel engines type DEUTZ and transmission type VOITH) in all loading conditions.
The running behaviour and comfort of the DMU on the whole network on Corsica.
Outside noise and noise within the vehicle and vibrations under different running conditions of all traction- and comfort devices (ventilation, air-conditioning).

Customer Advantage
With the accredited testing laboratory, part of PROSE Ltd., the vehicle manufacturer has a competent partner for the approval process on site. For each single testing packet, CFD has a single contact person. The PROSE Engineer organize and coordinate all necessarily test. Because of that, CFD can save time and money.

Customer Requirement
The Netherlands railway company Connexxion ordered by the German Fahrzeugtechnik Dessau five PROTOS-EMU. The operation line of the PROTOS is between Amersfoort and Ede Wageningen in the Netherlands.
The notified body Lloyd’s Register Rail Europe assigned PROSE Ltd. to perform all necessarily tests for the homologation of the EMU.

Realisation
The engineers of the accredited testing laboratory of PROSE equipped the hole train with the necessarily sensors to perform the tests. Therefore the following functions and characteristics were measured according specification and standards (UIC, EN) and documented:
The brake distances in any kind of operation and loading conditions and proper functioning of the wheel slide control.
The running behaviour and comfort of the EMU.
Outside and inside noise as well in the static and in the dynamic state.
The measurement of the EMC was done together with our partner Montena.
All results of the evaluation were documented in reports.

Customer Advantage
The accredited testing laboratory of PROSE Ltd. performed all type tests integrally. Because of that, our customer has a competent partner for the approval process on site. It was possible to reduce the human-human interface and do handle the homologation tests very flexible and efficiently.

Customer Requirement
For approval of the S130 Intercity train the relative test reports had to be prepared by an accredited test laboratory. Tha ctivities had to be planned in a way, that Talgo could use its know-how and its resources as good as possible. On the other hand PROSE had to make sure that all tasks were performed in accordance with the pertinent rules.

Realisation
The Talgo test department performed the running dynamic tests and the relative data assessment. PROSE engineers supervised the process fromt the specification to the test report of Talgo.

PROSE assured acceptance of the documents produced by a constant contact on all levels. By witnessing the test runs PROSE was able to verify that the respective qualified personnel had been used by Talgo in the measurement campains. The consistency of the test reports was checked by the relative plausibility calculations.

Customer Advantage
Patentes Talgo was in a position to take advantage of the PROSE accredited test laboratory in regard to the gain in know-how and the optimisation of the costs.

Customer Requirement
The aim of the developing sonRAIL is to establish a forward-looking noise model, in order to enable the quantification of the noise emission of the railroad that the residents along the lines are subjected to. sonRAIL is meant to extend the regulations of SemiBEL which don’t fulfill the nowadays requirements (noise barriers, high speeds) anymore. To establish the noise model, an emission model is needed that enables to conclude which noise is emitted by which vehicle (passenger train, freight wagon, commuter train) under certain line routing conditions (bend, straight line, switch) and on certain tracks (sleeper and rail types etc.). As a basis for the emission model, extensive noise measurements are executed on the lines Fribourg – Lausanne and Rothrist – Wanzwil (new track line). Additional measurements are performed in order to validate the emission model and to establish the emission of trains at speeds above 160 km/h.

Realisation
PROSE is commissioned by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) to perform the noise emission measurements, thereby being in charge of the measurements as well as of the operation of the railway system. To perform the noise emission measurements on the line Rothrist – Wanzwil three test points on two sites are operated. For the measurements between Fribourg and Lausanne 12 test points on 10 sites are operated. The measurements are performed in parallel and within a measurement setup that complies with EN 3095. In addition to the noise measurements, the track roughness and vertical track acceleration are quantified in order to establish the wheel roughness indirectly. Furthermore, to ensure a better modeling due to more exact information on the wheel roughness, PROSE decides to operate two measurement trains – in addition to the usual trains – and to establish their wheel roughness too. This allows for a detailed modeling of the stimulus. PROSE has many years of wide experience in organizing and performing noise measurements on railway vehicles as well as organizing the operating. Furthermore, PROSE has conducted many type test measurements as well as troubleshooting measurements and noise remediations.

Customer Advantage
To organize noise emission measurements is a great challenge that requires: two measurement trains, running up to 12 measuring sites in parallel, organizing appropriate safeguards at the test points, coordinating 12 measuring teams from several companies in order to enable the comparison of the results during evaluation evaluating and administrating approx. 30 GB performance data of more than 3000 pass-byes. Due to PROSE’s wide experience with measurements in the railroad field, its experience in handling great amounts of data as well as in organizing operational services in cooperation with the participating railways, PROSE is the ideal partner for the Federal Office for the Environment to organize and implement the noise emission measurements.

Umsetzung
Prozessoptimierung Aktivitäten und Abläufe (Inselfertigung)
Reduktion der Durchlaufzeit von 19 Tagen auf 3-4 Tage

Customer Requirement
For the homologation of railbound cranes the safety against derailment can be proved by calculation or by measurements.
The method by calculation has the advantage of being cost effective, but would lead to a far too restrictive homologation. Running with load on the side of the crane would not be admissive anymore.

Realisation
PROSE performed measurements according to EN 14363 to prove the safety against derailment.
During the measurements a crane load was simulated. Before the measurement the whole process was discussed with the authorities and the measuremen was specified. This specification together with the report of the measurements was the base for the homologation of the crane in Switzerland.

Customer Advantage
By adopting the measurement defined in EN 14363 for the case of a lateral loading, it was possible to prove the sufficient safety against derailment of the crane.
The crane was only needed for two days for the measurement.

Customer Requirement
Because of vibrations on the bushings of the transformers of the water-based power plant „Sultana del Este“ those bushings were damaged. Siwss Re wanted to support ist customer in solving this problem. PROSE was commissioned to investigate the vibration and top elaborate solutions.

Realisation
With a team of ABB Consultants, Schwab Schwingungstechnik and PROSE, the vibrations were analysed. Beginning with the diesel motors, which are the main source of the vibrations, and ending with a detailed modal analysis of the transformer, the complete mechanism of vibrations propagation was analysed within two day. Based on the results gained by this analysis, it could be shown, that an improved suspension of the transformer on the barch would not improve the situation. A pragmatic solution consisting of local reinforcement and decoupled arrangement could be elaborated based on the modal analysis.

Customer Advantage
By following a very pragmatic and interdisciplinary approach and by the close co-operation of a transformer expert, a suspension expert and PROSE as measuring institute and vibration specialists the damaging vibration and ist sources could be analysed within a very short time frame and a safe and cost-efficient solution could be elaborated. The improvement of the suspension of the transformer could be clearly declared being the wrong way.

Customer Requirement
The company JOSEF MEYER Ltd. (JMR) located at Rheinfelden developed a new container flat waggon for three 20-foot containers. Earlier braking distance measurement, also performed by PROSE, exposed that the cars of the type Sgnss CTW 2004 were over-braked. For this reason JMR adjusted the brake system of that car type. The breaking behavior of the waggon after the changes should be evaluated.

Realisation
In October 2006, braking distance measurements with the converted coach were performed at the Bern area. For these tests, the carrying coach of JMR was uncoupled from the PROSE measuring coach. After that, the carrying waggon caused a fast break. The operation was performed by the partner of PROSE, the BLS.

Customer Advantage
The measurement equipment made it possible that after each measurement run the measuring data was available in the measuring coach immediately. On that way, it was possible to calculate the breaking percents after each run. The results could be discussed with the customer.

Customer Requirement
The proof, that the new articulated railcars for Arriva fulfil the limits given by TSI CR Noise and the UIC codes 644 and 651 had to be provided. The goal of the measurements was the approval in Germany and in the Netherlands.

Realisation
The measurements on the articulated railcar were realised in close cooperation with the manufacturer of the vehicle. The focus was put on a lean and efficient testing of the vehicle.

Customer Advantage
By focusing on the requirements to be proven for homologation it became possible to perform all necessary noise measurement within a very short time. The very efficient train operation in Switzerland made short testing times possible. The complete TSI Noise measurements (standstill, acceleration, internal and external pass-by noise) and the additional measurements according to UIC 644 and 651 were performed within two days. Also the report could be issued because of the high degree of standardisation shortly after the end of the test, making an on-tim homologation possible.

Customer Requirement
Rotem intends to strengthen the aluminium bodyshell of the KTX-2 high speed train and concurrently to implement a value engineered design.

Realisation
Parts of the bodyshell have been analysed with the Finite Element Method and optimised designs for sub-assemblies have been proposed to the customer.

Customer Advantage
By means of the Finite Element Method an optimum design can be achieved for the bodyshell.

Customer Requirement
TSI CR Noise prescribe several noise measurements in standstill, acceleration as well as continuous running at different conditions of load, velocity and measurement location. Moreover the TSI regulation requires that the track is within certain limited conditions. Even nowadays general access to the rail network it is getting troublesome to find an appropriate location and get time slots to perform measurement runs.

Realisation
PROSE could provide a quality assessed location for pass by noise measurements. The direct link to a locale railway operator enables PROSE to perform quick and compact measurements programs. All necessary actions like temporarily operating approval, track access permits and the organisation of all train runs either measurement or transfer had been done by PROSE.

Customer Advantage
PROSE works in close collaboration with Swiss railway companies. Thus we are able to offer complete solutions for our customers which embodies efficient and cost saving realisation of the customers aim. Because there is only a one by one relation NedTrain could focus on their core task.

Customer Requirement
The light and low-noise (LEILA) bogie is born out of a research project and shall now prove its road capability in field tests. In order to get the approval for field tests on the swiss standard gauge railway network from the authorities, some verifications have to be done. In parallel to performing these verifications, the implementation of the cutting-edge properties on the new bogie type is verified.

Realisation
PROSE as general contractor organizes the measuring runs and performs the tests together with the other partner in the LEILA-consortium. We support our customer – Josef Meyer Waggon AG in Rheinfelden, Switzerland – in the obtainment of the temporary operating approval from the Swiss Federal Office for Transporation (BAV). The measuring runs are operated by Bahn-Support GmbH as train operator on behalf of PROSE.The test train comprises two container carrying wagons – one of them with Y25-bogies, the other one with LEILA-bogies – in order to be able to compare the performance of both bogies directly. The PROSE measuring coach was placed between both freight wagons and was used as workplace for the measuring engineers and as power source for the test train.The measurements were mainly done by the institute for rail vehicle of the technical university of Berlin (TU-Berlin). PROSE contributed with its own measuring equipment in the field of brake control and noise measurements according to TSI CR noise. The continuous monitoring of the running stability as well as of the correct operation of the brake was also done by PROSE.

Customer Advantage
The tests are currently done under the active management by PROSE together with all project partners. The goal is the obtainment of the temporary operating approval on a short notice. Changes in the planning in respect to the initial planning can be handled very efficiently as PROSE is the central contact person for all project partners, making communication efficient and decisions fast. Additionally PROSE can support the measurement teams with its own measuring equipment in case it is needed.

Customer Requirement
No standardised method for testing the noise relevant improvement after refurbishing steel bridges is known today; i.e. no quantitative value can be specified. Therefore the FOEN commissioned PROSE with the elaboration of a concept for a noise assessment for railway bridges built from steel.

Realisation
A global approach had to be taken in order to determine the characteristics of the noise emission of the railway and to combine it with the subjective impression of the affected persons.

PROSE disposes of a considerable experience in the assessmemtn of noise measurement as an accredited test laboratory in the railway field. Procedures to assess the success of the bridge refurbishment could be defined which take the relevant norms into account but which also consider the difficult local situations. Further on the problem of the time laps between the tests before and after the refurbishment have been taken into account.

Customer Advantage
The FOEN now disposes of a clear procedure how to define and assess the success of the refurbishment of steel railway bridges. The definition of the boundary conditions are reducing the uncertainities and improve the safety in the planning phase.

Customer Requirement
The technical specification for interoperability concerning the noise of rolling stock of conventional rail systems (TSI CR NOISE) requires a confirmation for all new and modernised rail vehicles. This Test has to prove that the noise generated by the vehicles is within the given limit values.

Realisation
In order to reduce the rising costs effectively, PROSE decided to perform a bundled noise measurement according to TSI CR NOISE for freight wagons. Thus several wagons types of different manufacturers were marshalled together to a measuring train. PROSE performed the measurement on the line located in the west of Bern between Kerzers and Müntschemier together with the operator BLS. This line was specially modified to perform noise measurements. The operation on this single track line is much more efficient as on other TSI-lines in Europe.

Customer Advantage
The execution of such noise measurements is attractive, because the pooling of measurements of the different wagon types lowered the costs for each individual wagon type considerably. Furthermore it is attractive for the manufacturers because all they have to do is to provide the vehicles. All other services were provided by PROSE. PROSE accomplished the measurements, assigned BLS for the execution of the train operation and organized the creation of an EU examination certificate together with a Notified Body.

Customer Requirement
On the steam locomotives of the Schafberg railway, several cracks occurred in the frame. Because of that, the successor company of the manufacturer of the locomotives, the DLM Ltd, wanted to know if exceptional load cases come up during normal operation.

Realisation
The 1st of June 2006, measurement runs with the locomotive number Z 12 of the Schafberg railway were performed on the line between St.Wolfgang and Schafberg-Alpe in Austria. In close cooperation with the customer, the sensors for measuring the mechanical stresses and forces were placed at the frame of the locomotive. With the instrumented locomotive, all relevant load cases were measured, as accelerating in a steep gradient and emergency stop while driving downhill.

Customer Advantage
The customer was able to compare the results of the measurement directly on site with the theoretical analysis. The results of measurement could also be compared with similar measurements on other locomotives.

Customer Requirement
As a part of the commissioning and approval process of the new replica Bernina Express panorama coaches (replica of the car body, but with redesigned bogies), the comfort and the lateral running behaviour should be assessed. Finally the compliance with the limits concerning the noise emissions had to be proved.

Realisation
Test runs have been performed in order to survey the above mentioned issues. PROSE Ltd. conducted the test runs, provided and installed the measurement equipment, evaluated the measuring data and assessed the results. The comfort and the lateral running behaviour were examined by means of acceleration sensors in the coaches and by means of deflection sensors between the bogie and the coach. The so called Wz-value was calculated as result of the comfort evaluation. The lateral accelerations and deflections were analysed when passing several switches.The noise measurements were made according to the standard EN 3381 inside the coach and according to EN 3095 during pass-by. A report was delivered to the customer presenting the assessment of all results. All test runs have been conducted within a short time and using only one test train.

Customer Advantage
In order to limit the extent and the costs, all investigations were conducted at the same test train, even though various issues were concerned. Furthermore the different issues were assessed during the same test runs. As a consequence even the operator had to provide the coaches only once and only for a short time.

Customer Requirement
As Bombardier Transportations TRAXX locomotives shall start operations on the new high speed line HSL Zuid in the Netherlands and Belgium, the running characteristics had to be proved according to EN 14363. The locomotives shall be operated on tracks with an inclination of 1:20 at a speed of 160 km/h.

Realisation
The manufacturer Bombardier Transportation assigned PROSE Ltd. as accredited and certified laboratory to execute the running dynamic type test. The tests were conducted as partial on-track test and according to the simplified measuring method in EN 14363. PROSE Ltd. prepared the specification and conducted the test runs in the Netherlands. Finally the results were evaluated in a report, which could be submitted directly to the authorities.

Customer Advantage
Our customer could rely on our continuous support. The complete process from the preparation of the specification to the delivery of the report was conducted by PROSE Ltd.Due to our experience of many years, the project could be handled quick and efficiently.

Customer Requirement
The manufacturer of the high-speed trains AVE S103 (Velaro E), SIEMENS, was looking for a for a competent partner for a research project in the field of acoustic measurments. The project took place in the context of the homologation period.

Realisation
The combination of the knowledge of SIEMENS from the homologation period with the ICE 3 and the experience of PROSE in air- and structure-borne sound-field provided the optimum measuring strategy.

Customer Advantage
Because an engineer of PROSE was on site, the results of the measurements could be evaluated with the customer after each measurement run. Because of that, it was possible to optimise the measurement instrumentation quickly, as it is often necessary in research projects.