Brake test – cable pulling trolley

Unstad supported the customer with planning, execution, and evaluation of dynamic brake testing on a catenary tensioning vehicle to verify braking performance in accordance with EN 16834. The tests were carried out as slip tests in both empty and fully loaded conditions, with monitoring of temperature and operational parameters.

During the preparation phase, Unstad defined the measurement methodology, requirements for static pre-testing, brake bedding-in procedures, and wheel wear criteria prior to testing. Unstad also contributed to calculating local track gradients based on track data and selecting a suitable test section with stable conditions, low traffic, and good GPS coverage.

During testing, speed and stopping distance were recorded, and brake applications were performed from progressively increasing speeds up to the vehicle’s maximum. Each braking condition was documented with a minimum of four approved measurements within defined consistency limits, while wheel and brake disc temperatures were monitored with appropriate cooling intervals. The tests covered all relevant brake groups (excluding group G), and Unstad also verified brake percentage calculations as part of the final assessment.