Cross Winds on High-Speed Trains

risks due to cross winds on high-speed trains (picture: Karlheinz)

31.12.01 - Strong cross winds can pose a relevant hazard for the operation of high-speed trains with lightweight end coaches. A detailed methodology has been worked out to assess the frequencies of exceeding the relevant critical wind speed along high-spe

Strong cross winds can pose a relevant hazard for the operation of high-speed trains with lightweight end coaches. A detailed methodology has been worked out to assess the frequencies of exceeding the relevant critical wind speed along high-speed lines. It takes into account the characteristics of the vehicle, train speed, track geometry and the local frequency of strong gusts. Safety criteria are used to derive to which extent countermeasures such as wind fences or local speed restrictions are necessary to guarantee safe railway operations.

The project was carried out in cooperation with the railway company, the rolling stock industry, meteorological institutes as well as the responsible authorities and is successfully being applied in practice.