EN 13848-4:2025
(Main)Railway applications - Track - Track geometry quality - Part 4: Measuring systems - Manual and lightweight devices
Railway applications - Track - Track geometry quality - Part 4: Measuring systems - Manual and lightweight devices
This document specifies the minimum requirements to meet by measuring systems fitted on track geometry measuring trolleys and manually operated devices to give an evaluation of track geometry quality when using one or more of the parameters described in EN 13848 1. It sets out the acceptable differences from EN 13848 1 when using track geometry measuring trolleys and manually operated devices to measure track geometry.
It applies to all track geometry measuring systems fitted to track geometry measuring trolleys and manually operated devices after the date of implementation of this document.
In the case of lightweight devices working at a speed higher than walking speed, or in the case of track geometry measuring systems installed on track recording cars but not measuring in loaded conditions as defined in EN 13848 1, the test procedure defined in EN 13848 2 is applicable.
Bahnanwendungen - Oberbau - Qualität der Gleisgeometrie - Teil 4: Messsysteme - Handgeführte und leichte Vorrichtungen
Dieses Dokument legt die Mindestanforderungen fest, die für Gleisgeometriemessungen mit leichten Geräten, einschließlich Gleisgeometriemessgeräten, die bis zur Schrittgeschwindigkeit arbeiten, und Gleisgeometriemessgeräten erfüllt werden müssen, um die Bewertung der Gleisgeometriequalität anhand eines oder mehrerer der in EN 13848 1 beschriebenen Parameter zu ermöglichen.
Bei leichten Geräten, die mit einer höheren Geschwindigkeit als Schrittgeschwindigkeit arbeiten, oder bei Gleisgeometriemesssystemen, die auf Fahrzeugen installiert sind, aber nicht unter Last nach- EN 13848 1 messen, kann die Validierung des Systems auf der Grundlage des von EN 13848 2:2020, Abschnitt 6 festgelegten Prüfverfahrens erfolgen.
Applications ferroviaires - Voie - Qualité géométrique de la voie - Partie 4: Systèmes de mesure - Dispositifs manuels et de faible poids
Le présent document spécifie les exigences minimales pour les mesures de la géométrie de la voie à l’aide de dispositifs de faible poids, notamment des systèmes d'enregistrement de géométrie de voie fonctionnant à une vitesse inférieure ou égale à la vitesse de marche à pied et des instruments de mesure de géométrie de voie, qui permettent d'évaluer la qualité géométrique de la voie en utilisant un ou plusieurs paramètres décrits dans l'EN 13848 1.
Dans le cas des dispositifs de faible poids fonctionnant à une vitesse supérieure à la vitesse de marche à pied, ou dans le cas des systèmes de mesure de géométrie de voie installés sur des véhicules, mais qui n'effectuent pas les mesures sous les conditions de charge définies dans l'EN 13848 1, la validation du système peut être réalisée selon la procédure d'essai définie dans l’Article 6 de l'EN 13848 2:2020.
Železniške naprave - Zgornji ustroj proge - Kakovost tirne geometrije - 4. del: Merilni sistemi - Ročne in lahke naprave
Ta dokument določa minimalne zahteve za meritve tirne geometrije z lahkimi napravami, vključno z instrumenti za beleženje tirne geometrije, ki delujejo do hitrosti hoje, in instrumenti za merjenje tirne geometrije, ki omogočajo oceno kakovosti tirne geometrije z enim ali več parametri, opisanimi v standardu EN 13848-1.
Sisteme lahkih naprav, ki delujejo s hitrostjo, višjo od hitrosti hoje, ali sisteme za merjenje tirne geometrije, ki so nameščeni na vozilih, vendar ne izvajajo meritev v pogojih obremenitve, kot je določeno v standardu EN 13848-1, je mogoče validirati na podlagi preskusnega postopka, določenega v točki 6 standarda EN 13848-2:2020.
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2025
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 13848-4:2012
Železniške naprave - Zgornji ustroj proge - Kakovost tirne geometrije - 4. del:
Merilni sistemi - Ročne in lahke naprave
Railway applications - Track - Track geometry quality - Part 4: Measuring systems -
Manual and lightweight devices
Bahnanwendungen - Oberbau - Qualität der Gleisgeometrie - Teil 4: Messsysteme -
Handgeführte und leichte Vorrichtungen
Applications ferroviaires - Voie - Qualité géométrique de la voie - Partie 4: Systèmes de
mesure - Dispositifs manuels et de faible poids
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 13848-4:2025
ICS:
45.080 Tračnice in železniški deli Rails and railway
components
93.100 Gradnja železnic Construction of railways
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EN 13848-4
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
June 2025
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 93.100 Supersedes EN 13848-4:2011
English Version
Railway applications - Track - Track geometry quality -
Part 4: Measuring systems - Manual and lightweight
devices
Applications ferroviaires - Voie - Qualité géométrique Bahnanwendungen - Oberbau - Qualität der
de la voie - Partie 4: Systèmes de mesure - Dispositifs Gleisgeometrie - Teil 4: Messsysteme - Handgeführte
manuels et de faible poids und leichte Vorrichtungen
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 14 April 2025.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 13848-4:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Symbols and abbreviations . 8
5 Track geometry measuring system fitted on TGRs or TGIs . 8
5.1 General. 8
5.2 Measurement system description. 9
5.3 Environmental conditions . 9
5.3.1 General. 9
5.3.2 Climatic conditions . 10
5.3.3 Operating conditions . 10
5.4 Track features input . 10
5.5 Data localization . 11
5.6 Measuring device . 11
5.6.1 General. 11
5.6.2 Sensors . 11
5.6.3 Signal transmission . 11
5.7 Resolution . 12
5.8 Signal processing . 12
5.8.1 General. 12
5.8.2 Sampling . 12
5.8.3 Filtering . 12
5.9 Data processing and analysis . 12
5.9.1 Data processing . 12
5.9.2 Data merging . 13
5.9.3 Parameter generation . 13
5.9.4 Parameter analysis. 13
5.10 Data output. 13
5.10.1 Visualization . 13
5.10.2 Data transfer . 13
5.11 Data storage . 13
5.11.1 Data storage: TGR . 13
5.11.2 Data storage: TGI . 14
6 Testing of track geometry measuring system . 14
6.1 General. 14
6.2 Calibration . 14
6.3 Validation tests: TGR . 15
6.3.1 Overview . 15
6.3.2 Measurement conditions for validation . 15
6.3.3 Track conditions for validation . 15
6.3.4 Comparison between different runs . 16
6.3.5 Routine validation . 18
6.4 Validation tests: TGI . 18
6.4.1 Validation of a new or modified measuring system . 18
6.4.2 Routine validation . 18
Annex A (normative) Parameters measured by track geometry recorders (TGRs) and track
geometry instruments (TGIs) . 19
A.1 General . 19
A.2 Track gauge . 19
A.3 Longitudinal level . 20
A.4 Cross level . 20
A.5 Alignment . 21
A.6 Twist . 21
Annex B (informative) Principles of measurement . 22
B.1 General description . 22
B.2 Longitudinal level and alignment (TGR only) . 22
B.2.1 Chord measuring system . 22
B.2.2 Inertial measuring system . 24
B.3 Track gauge . 24
B.4 Cross level . 24
B.5 Twist . 24
Annex C (normative) Validation criteria . 25
C.1 Repeatability – Statistical analysis of parameter data . 25
C.2 Reproducibility - Statistical analysis of parameter data . 26
Annex D (informative) Track geometry measurement uncertainty . 27
D.1 General . 27
D.2 Evaluating uncertainty for manually operated track geometry measuring systems 28
D.3 Measurement uncertainty: limit values . 29
Bibliography . 31
European foreword
This document (EN 13848-4:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 256 “Railway
applications”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by December 2025, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by December 2025.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 13848-4:2011.
The main changes compared to the previous edition are listed below:
— change of labels and definitions for lightweight devices;
— update of content of Annexes A and B;
— modification of certain limit values in Annex C (validation criteria);
— integration of Annex D (uncertainty measurement);
— simplification of the main text structure.
In this document, the Annexes A and C are normative and the Annexes B and D are informative.
This document is one in the EN 13848 series Railway applications – Track – Track geometry quality, the
parts of which are listed below:
— Part 1: Characterization of track geometry
— Part 2: Measuring systems – Track recording vehicles
— Part 3: Measuring systems – Track construction and maintenance machines
— Part 4: Measuring systems – Manual and lightweight devices
— Part 5: Geometric quality levels – Plain line, switches and crossings
— Part 6: Characterization of track geometry quality
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,
Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North
Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United
Kingdom.
1 Scope
This document specifies the minimum requirements to be met for track geometry measurements by
lightweight devices including track geometry recorders working up to walking speed and track geometry
instruments to enable the assessment of track geometry quality using one or more of the parameters
described in EN 13848-1.
In the case of lightweight devices working at a speed higher than walking speed, or in the case of track
geometry measuring systems installed on vehicles but not measuring in loaded conditions as specified in
EN 13848-1, the validation of the system can be done based on the test procedure specified in Clause 6
of EN 13848-2:2020.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 13848-1:2019, Railway applications - Track - Track geometry quality - Part 1: Characterization of track
geometry
EN 13848-2:2020, Railway applications - Track - Track geometry quality - Part 2: Measuring systems -
Track recording vehicles
EN 13848-5, Railway applications - Track - Track geometry quality - Part 5: Geometric quality levels - Plain
line, switches and crossings
EN 13848-6, Railway applications - Track - Track geometry quality - Part 6: Characterization of track
geometry quality
EN 17343, Railway applications - General terms and definitions
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 17343 and the following apply:
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp/
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
lightweight device
device that does not load the track as specified in Clause 7 of EN 13848-1:2019
3.2
track geometry recorder
TGR
lightweight device designed for measuring one or more track geometry parameters, having the following
characteristics:
— hauled, self-propelled or moved by human force;
— capable of automatic measurement at a constant and prescribed sampling distance with each
measurement localized
3.3
track geometry instrument
TGI
lightweight device designed for measuring one or more track geometry parameters, having the following
characteristics:
— measurement at standstill;
— may record individual measurements
3.4
sensor
device which detects, measures and translates characteristics of track geometry into quantities that can
be used for further data processing
3.5
measuring direction
course between two points on a track, independent of orientation of the track geometry recorder;
between two given points A and B, there are two opposite directions: A to B and B to A
3.6
orientation
physical positioning of a lightweight device, with regard to which end of the lightweight device is leading
or trailing
3.7
repeatability
degree of agreement between the values of successive measurements of the same parameter made under
same conditions, within a short period of time, where the individual measurements are carried out on
the same section of track using the same device and interpretation methods, subject to the following:
— similar speed;
— same measuring direction;
— same orientation;
— similar environmental conditions
3.8
reproducibility
degree of agreement between the values of successive measurements of the same parameter made under
varying conditions, within a short period of time, where the individual measurements are carried out on
the same section of track using the same device and interpretation methods, subject to one or more of
the following:
— variation of speed;
— different measuring directions;
— different orientations, if the device is designed to measure in both orientations;
— different environmental conditions
3.9
validation
verification that the measuring device complies with the requirements of this document
3.10
calibration
documented comparison of the measurement device to be calibrated against a traceable reference
standard/device
3.11
event
record of a track or line-side feature that can be either technical, physical or natural
3.12
localization
information required to locate events and the measured track geometry
3.13
reference track
track with known characteristics, to allow adequate testing of the track geometry measuring and
recording system
3.14
adjustment
set of operations carried out on a measurement device so that it provides prescribed indications
corresponding to given values of a quantity to be measured [10]
4 Symbols and abbreviations
For the purposes of this document, the following symbols and abbreviations apply.
Table 1 — Symbols and abbreviations
Symbol Designation Unit
D0
Wavelength range 1 < λ ≤ 5 m
D1
Wavelength range 3 < λ ≤ 25 m
D2
Wavelength range 25 < λ ≤ 70 m
D3 Wavelength range 70 < λ ≤ 150 for longitudinal level
m
Wavelength range 70 < λ ≤ 200 for alignment
Lo
Lower limit of wavelength range D0, D1, D2, D3 m
Lu Upper limit of wavelength range D0, D1, D2, D3
m
λ
Wavelength m
ℓ
Twist base-length m
TGR
Track geometry recorder
TGI
Track geometry instrument
H
Transfer function
a,b
Chords divisions
l
Chord lengths
5 Track geometry measuring system fitted on TGRs or TGIs
5.1 General
This document concerns only the track geometry measuring systems installed on lightweight devices
used to measure one or more of the parameters described in EN 13848-1.
There is a difference observed between the measured geometry of lightweight devices and the geometry
under the operation of a running train.
To assess safety limits using measurements from lightweight devices, the user shall take provisions to
accommodate this difference such as:
— adapting the limits of EN 13848-5 or;
— utilizing supplementary measurement devices that can accommodate this difference or;
— other accommodations.
The unloaded measurements supplemented by the above-mentioned additional measures can be used to
monitor track quality and ensure safety in relation to track geometry on track sections on which
maintenance work has been or is being carried out.
5.2 Measurement system description
For the purpose of this document, the track geometry measuring system fitted on TGRs and TGIs divided
into several units as represented in Figure 1 below:
Figure 1 — TGR and TGI track geometry measuring system
The track geometry measuring system installed on a lightweight device may carry out some of the
following actions:
— measure track geometry parameter(s);
— measure the longitudinal distance between measuring operations;
— associate the precise location to the measured data;
— process the measured data, preferably on site, in order to analyse the track geometry parameter(s);
— record the parameter(s) on computer readable media or on paper.
The parameters to be measured and their processing shall at least meet the requirements stated in
Annex A.
Contrarily to the measuring systems fitted to track recording vehicles, the measuring systems fitted to
lightweight devices are not required to measure in both lightweight devices orientations.
5.3 Environmental conditions
5.3.1 General
All the measuring systems fitted on lightweight devices shall comply with the environmental conditions
specified below.
5.3.2 Climatic conditions
Appropriate climatic conditions shall be taken into account in the design. These include:
— ambient temperature;
— condensation, particularly with sudden variation of temperature at the entrance or at the exit of a
tunnel;
— possibility of extreme weather conditions (heavy rain, snow, direct sunlight,…);
— ambient relative humidity.
5.3.3 Operating conditions
Appropriate operating conditions especially during transport, assembly and operation shall be taken into
account in the design. These include:
— grease on the rail;
— reflection condition of the rail;
— characteristic light conditions;
— dust, water and snow;
— safety requirements (laser beam or conductor rail, for example);
— user friendliness;
— vibrations and shocks;
— electromagnetic environment;
— compatibility with signalling and communication systems.
5.4 Track features input
The track features input supports the data analysis (see 5.9). The requirements for TGR and TGI equipped
with data storage are described below.
It shall include at least:
— line identification;
— track identification;
— kilometrage (for TGR, starting point and increasing or decreasing).
Other inputs can be beneficial as, for example:
— geo-spatial positioning;
— line speed;
— set of limit values of track geometry parameters as required by the infrastructure manager;
— line side features such as switches, level crossings, bridges, tunnels;
— track components and track alignment design parameters.
All these data shall be able to be entered by manual or automatic means.
There are no specific requirements for TGIs not equipped with data storage means to support data
localization.
5.5 Data localization
Data localization shall be referenced either to track axis or to the rail on which the running distance is
measured.
The reference point for the data localization on TGR and TGI may be the kilometre post or other fixed
points.
In case of TGR, the data localization system gives the position along the track and shall fulfil the following
functions:
— synchronises the position with the reference point by various methods, using for example the
satellite-based positioning system, active or passive beacons, track layout or other singular points;
— measures the distance covered by the TGR, compensating for any backward movement, and is
generally based on sampling signals, which could be given by a wheel-mounted encoder or any other
equivalent method;
— automatically corrects or allows manual correction of the inaccuracies caused by:
— wear, sliding;
— non-homogeneous reference post distances (e.g. kilometre posts that are greater or less than one
kilometre apart);
— uncertainty (refer to EN 13848-1:2019, 3.5) of the distance run transducer.
5.6 Measuring device
5.6.1 General
Track geometry measuring relies on sensors, signal transmission and signal processing following various
measuring principles as described in Annex B.
For TGR, the maximum and the minimum speed shall be specified by the manufacturer.
5.6.2 Sensors
The sensors shall measure, in real time, the track geometry parameters or their components.
The sensors’ mechanical and electrical characteristics (frequency response, signal-to-noise ratio, gain,
etc.) shall be adequate to enable the generation of track geometry parameters, independently of the
environmental conditions on the railway network.
5.6.3 Signal transmission
Signal transmission comprises all components which are necessary for data interchange between the
sensors, signal processing unit and data output unit.
It shall at least comply with the following requirements:
— no phase shift;
— no distortion of results data;
— compliance with current industry-accepted data interchange standards.
For TGR, the transmission characteristics shall be appropriate to its maximum measuring speed and its
data volume.
5.7 Resolution
The resolution, as defined in EN 13848-1 shall be ≤ 0,5 mm for every measured principal track geometric
parameter.
5.8 Signal processing
5.8.1 General
A track geometry parameter is obtained from the signals coming from one or several sensors.
If these signals are not direct measurements of the parameters, they are processed using a series of
mathematical operations. This may include sampling, signal filtering, amplification and calculation.
5.8.2 Sampling
Only if using a TGR, the sampling for track geometry signals shall be triggered by a distance-based event
so that the measurements are spatially orientated at equidistant intervals along the length of the track.
All measurements shall be sampled at intervals not larger than 0,5 m.
If using a TGI, the distance between measurement points depends on the requirement of the track
geometry assessment.
If using a TGI, the distance between measured samples should be taken into consideration if the
measurements are used to calculate a new parameter, e.g. twist.
5.8.3 Filtering
If filtering is used, the filter characteristics like the transition (cut-off) wavelength, type of filter and the
rate of attenuation (number of poles) shall be specified.
To prevent aliasing of the data the analogue signal shall be filtered in accordance with the sampling
theorem.
If filters are applied to the recorded track data, they shall have the characteristics described in EN 13848-
1:2019, Annex C.
NOTE More background information about filtering can be found in EN 13848-1:2019, Annex D.
5.9 Data processing and analysis
5.9.1 Data processing
If the data processing is done aboard the lightweight device:
— the system hardware shall meet all the requirements stated in 5.3 (environmental conditions);
— the software shall be flexible and modular in order to facilitate modifications, e.g. filter
implementations or output formats, according to any additional requirements of the infrastructure
manager;
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