Author(s): Mark Cheetham

Linked Author(s): Mark Cheetham

Keywords: Digital Twin; SNCF; Railway; Infrastructure Manager; Flood Risk; Resilience

Abstract: Digital twin models have been successfully employed to provide an effective and efficient method for the management of different types of infrastructure systems. The use of these models is of particular interest for an Infrastructure Manager such as the Societe Nationale des Chemins de Fer Francais (SNCF, owner and operator of the railways in France) where they can be used to simulate different operational and maintenance scenarios required to ensure the security and accessibility of the railway network. Flood events cause significant disruption to the French railway network each year and digital twin models present an opportunity to better understand the relationship between the railway infrastructure and the natural environment. The use of digital twins requires the collection and interpretation of data from different sources, the level of detail (LOD) required in the model being determined by the final users of the data. Ideally the digital twin is constructed during the design stage, which is subsequently updated during the construction phase before being passed on to the Infrastructure Manager for exploitation during the maintenance period. For the SNCF, one of the principal challenges for the construction of a digital twin is in the collation of data of sufficient quality which is particularly difficult when considering that the railway network was predominantly constructed in the mid to late 19th century and design information has been archived or lost. Once the digital twin has been constructed, the objective for the Infrastructure Manager is to integrate, analyze and ultimately eliminate structural damage identified on the network during periodic visits. Combining dynamic surveillance data with knowledge of infrastructure construction information allows engineers and decision makers at the SNCF to efficiently manage their assets. This article will present the findings of a digital twin trial project undertaken on a maritime flood defense structure which protects both a section of railway line and several communities on the west coast of France. The aim of the project is to identify the level of detail necessary to have a fully functional digitalized numerical model whilst limiting the resources needed to construct and maintain the digital twin. Integration of flood event information into the model (flood levels, sources and types of flooding, simulations, etc. ) will improve the understanding of these natural hazards at the SNCF, improve its communication within the organization and should ultimately lead to greater efficiency in the goal of reducing flood risk on the French railway network.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3850/978-90-833476-1-5_iahr40wc-p1201-cd

Year: 2023