BS EN 13848-5:2017

What is BS EN 13848-5 - Quality levels of track geometry about?  

BS EN 13848-5 defines the minimum requirements for the quality levels of track geometry and specifies the safety-related limits for each parameter as defined in EN 13848-1 and measured by any track geometry measurement system as defined in EN 13848-2, EN 13848-3, and EN 13848-4. 

Note1: BS EN 13848-5 covers the following topics: 

• Immediate action limits (IAL) 
• Recommendations on tolerance levels for isolated defects 
• The relative importance of parameters with respect to the vehicle behaviours 

Note2: The necessity to measure, the frequency of measurements, and the selection of measured parameters are not covered by BS EN 13848-5. 

Note3: BS EN 13848-5 applies to high-speed and conventional lines, including switches and crossings, of 1 435 mm and wider gauge railways provided that the vehicles operated. 

Note4: BS EN 13848-5 on those lines comply with BS EN 14363 and other vehicle safety standards. 

Note5: BS EN 13848-5 does not apply to Urban Rail Systems. 

Who is BS EN 13848-5 - Quality levels of track geometry for? 

BS EN 13848-5 on quality levels of track geometry is useful for: 

• Manufacturers and suppliers of track recording vehicles/cars  
• Manufacturers and suppliers of railway infrastructure equipment  
• Vehicle manufacturers  
• Infrastructure Managers  
• Track maintenance managers  
• Regulatory authorities 
• Mechanical engineers 

Why should you use BS EN 13848-5 - Quality levels of track geometry?  

Track recording cars or track geometry cars are used to check the geometric parameters of the railway track. In this regard, when measuring a track, track geometric quality levels help produce consistent and comparable results, regardless of the measuring speed and direction of travel.   

The main purpose of the BS EN 13848-5 is to define minimum requirements for track geometry based on isolated defects to ensure safe operation of trains.  

BS EN 13848-5 European Standard sets out quality levels, in particular immediate action limits (IAL), with the aim of harmonizing European track geometry quality standards. 

BS EN 13848-5 can be significant in: 

• Setting minimum requirements for the level of track geometry quality in order to manage safe operation 
• Optimization of track geometry maintenance works 
• Optimization of vehicle ride quality and dynamic loading of the track 
• Harmonizing vehicle acceptance procedures 

BS EN 13848-5 specifies the safety-related limits for each parameter, you can assure of safety and reliability of railway infrastructure.