Continuous Rail Monitoring in Hammersholt, Denmark: A Case Study
In Hammersholt, near Hillerød, Denmark, the safe installation of district heating pipes under the S-train line A (connecting Copenhagen H and Hillerød) demanded a real-time monitoring solution for potential track settlement. As per Danish law, any drilling beneath railway infrastructure requires continuous settlement monitoring to ensure safety and avoid unnecessary train stoppages.
Project Overview
LIFA, an experienced surveying and land inspection company, led the project by installing and managing a robust monitoring system. They employed 54 Worldsensing wireless tiltmeters, mounted on aluminum tilt beams attached between every third sleeper. These sensors were strategically placed at intervals of 15 meters within the zone of influence on both sides of the excavation area. Additional sensors were positioned at midpoints (7.5 meters apart) to closely monitor changes in cant (the incline or slope of the track).
Crucially, all sensor data was transmitted in real time to the Senmos platform through Worldsensing’s cloud MQTT protocol. Senmos then processed this data, calculating displacements, removing noise and temperature effects, and presenting the results in a user-friendly dashboard. This combination of reliable hardware and intelligent data processing enabled accurate, near-instant insights into track behavior.
Key Advantages
Real-Time Data and Alarms
By transmitting measurements every 30 seconds, project stakeholders were equipped with immediate updates on rail settlement. Automated alarms were configured to trigger if predefined thresholds were exceeded, ensuring swift responses to potential safety risks.
Enhanced Decision-Making
Thanks to Senmos, LIFA’s proprietary calculations and customizable dashboards provided comprehensive visualizations. This gave operators deeper insights into the meaning behind each alarm—distinguishing minor fluctuations or false positives from genuine hazards. In an industry where halting a train unnecessarily can be costly and failing to halt one when dangers arise could be life-threatening, this clarity was crucial.
Regulatory Compliance and Public Safety
Monitoring railway tracks during excavation is mandated by Danish law, and this project set an excellent example of due diligence. Proper oversight ensured the district heating installation did not compromise track integrity, upholding both public safety and infrastructure reliability.
Efficient Setup and Integration
The entire configuration—from sensor deployment to data visualization—was operational in under a day. With Senmos’ flexible subscription model, LIFA only paid for the short monitoring period. Meanwhile, KI Monitoring assisted in setting up the MQTT connections, working towards fully integrated UI-based processes for future projects.
Conclusion
By integrating Worldsensing’s wireless tiltmeters with the Senmos platform, LIFA delivered a high-precision, real-time monitoring solution that met both client and regulatory requirements. As drilling commenced beneath the rails, accurate settlement detection and instant alarms safeguarded rail traffic while avoiding unnecessary interruptions.
For more details on the broader Worldsensing solution, visit their published success story. This collaboration underscores the value of reliable data transmission, strong analytics, and proactive monitoring in maintaining essential public infrastructure.
