BOStrab Technical Rules Brakes
BOStrab Technical Rules Brakes
for Vehicles
Table of Contents
1 General 5
2.1.3 Braking 7
2.1.5 Failure 8
2.3 Loads 11
2.4.1 General 13
2.5 Times 14
3 Requirements 15
4.1 General 20
4.3.1 General 21
6 Index 26
1 General
These Technical Rules for Brakes (TR Br) put the regulations of Clause 36 of the
German Federal Regulations on the Construction and Operation of Light Rail Transit
Systems (BOStrab) of December 11, 1987 (BGBl I page 2648) in concrete terms as
regards the design and testing of brakes for vehicles according to Clause 1(8) of
BOStrab. They are the “regulations” in the sense of the official reasoning of
Clause 36(2) of BOStrab.
The draft TR Br was presented to all tramway companies, the relevant research
institutions, the industry and the technical supervisory authorities in the Summer of
2007 for their opinion. The feedback received was evaluated and considered
correspondingly. The principle of consensus applied. In the Autumn of 2008 the
States’ Committee on Light Rail Systems and other Guided Local Transport Systems
(LSO) accepted the TR Br in the form of circularising.
In the opinion of the LSO they are to be considered as the “generally recognised best
technical practice” in accordance with Clause 2(1) of BOStrab.
They replace the “Preliminary Regulations on the Design and Testing of Brakes of
Vehicles in accordance with the German Federal Regulations on the Construction
and Operation of Light Rail Transit Systems (BOStrab)” of 15.05.1988 for new
vehicles and for vehicles modified much provided that the modification affects the
brake equipment or the braking performance.
Note 1:
The Technical Rules for Brakes may also be used for all other vehicles if this is determined by the
transport undertaking for the maintenance or for the subsequent procurement of vehicles without
modification of the construction documents.
These Technical Rules for Brakes (TR Br) consider the European standard DIN EN
13452, edition 2003, and regulate the stipulations made in this standard on the basis
of BOStrab.
Note 2:
In DIN EN 13452 different definitions are used for an object (e.g. brake) at different positions (e.g.
correctly “braking” in the definition, but wrongly “brake” in the heading line of tables). In these
Technical Rules for Brakes (TR Br) the ambiguities are corrected. Thus, a comparison with the
standard will reveal apparent discrepancies.
The term brake includes the equipment for applying the brake forces (energy
dissipation) as well as the control, actuation and monitoring equipment as a system.
Note 1:
The brakes are characterised by their mode of operation (e.g. electro-dynamic brake, friction brake,
brake independent of the adhesion between the wheel and the rail).
Note 2:
In the reasoning of Clause 36 of BOStrab and in DIN EN 13452 the “brake” is also called “brake
system”.
2.1.3 Braking
Process by which a force is produced so as to resist train movement which is taking
place or to prevent movement of a stationary train.
due to a failure.
If a brake only fails partially (redundancy) and if the above mentioned two conditions
are still met, this is not regarded as a “brake failure” in accordance with Clause 36(3)
of BOStrab.
2.1.5 Failure
Failure is the unintentional interruption or impairment of the fulfilment of a function of
a unit.
Note:
This definition considers DIN 31051.
Note:
In DIN EN 13452-1 the service braking is also called service brake.
Note:
In DIN EN 13452-1 Section 3.2.3 the vigilance system braking is called emergency 1. It can also be
triggered by an ATO system (ATO = Automatic Train Operation).
Note 1:
In DIN EN 13452-1 Section 3.2.3 the passenger emergency braking is called emergency 2.
Note 2:
Meaningful brake values result from the initiation of this kind of braking by non-instructed persons
(passengers). Therefore, the criteria for service braking should be applied for the determination of the
brake values.
The brake lever (setpoint generator) has to lock in the position “driver emergency
braking”.
Note:
In DIN EN 13452-1 Section 3.2.3 the driver emergency braking is called emergency 3.
The vehicle need not necessarily be brought to a halt as the braking can stop without
the vehicle stopping if the hazard being the reason for the braking does not exist any
longer.
For the arithmetical proof of the driver emergency braking an adhesion coefficient
between the wheel and the rail of 0.33 at the most is to be assumed. Irrespectively,
the practical proof has to be furnished.
Note:
In DIN EN 13452-1 Section 3.2.3 this braking is called emergency 4.
Note 1:
The term “safety braking” is not mentioned in BOStrab.
Note 2:
Safety braking can e.g. be triggered by the driver’s emergency button and triggers a mechanical brake
on the closed-circuit principle.
Note 3:
Before the publication of DIN EN 13452-1 the term “safety braking” was used for other braking
functions (driving lock braking, passenger emergency braking, train separation braking, vigilance
system braking and signalled braking).
Note 4:
It has to achieve at least the braking performance of safety braking according to DIN EN 13452-1.
Note 5:
The term “driver emergency braking” is also common for this braking function.
All parts of the train have to be braked automatically to a stop at least with a braking
performance in accordance with Appendix 2, Table 1 of BOStrab.
Note:
Requirement according to DIN EN 13452-1 Section 5.4.1.
Note:
In DIN EN 13452-1 Section 3.2.7.2 the parking braking is explained as follows: "Brake which can
permanently hold a train with a defined load on a defined gradient."
The braking performance of vehicles operated on routes with train protection systems
is to be adjusted to the stopping distances in accordance with Clause 22(2) No. 1 of
BOStrab.
Drag Braking
According to DIN EN 13452-1 Section 3.2.5 the drag braking is the braking used to
control the train speed on a gradient to a substantially constant value.
Irrevocable Braking
According to DIN EN 13452-1 Section 3.2.6 the irrevocable braking is the (property
of) braking maintained until the train is stopped.
Immobilisation Braking
According to DIN EN 13452-1 Section 3.2.7 the immobilisation braking is the braking
used to prevent a stationary train from moving under the specified conditions.
Holding Braking
According to DIN EN 13452-1 Section 3.2.7.1 the holding braking is the braking
which holds a train stationary with passengers for a defined time and load.
2.3 Loads
2.3.1 Dead Load
Dead load is the weight resulting from the dead weight.
According to DIN 25008, edition 2005, the dead weight is the weight of the rollable
vehicle with all its stationary-mounted parts and all its equipment.
The following areas are to be deducted from the entire space in the interior of the
vehicle as unsuitable standing room:
a) the areas of seats projected on the floors inclusive of the backs and armrests
plus the areas for the feet of the seated passengers. The length of these latter
areas is to be set to the width of the seat and to have a depth of 300 mm. In
case of opposite seats the standing room is only calculated from a distance
between the projected seat area of 600 mm in consideration of d);
c) steps and areas which may only be stepped on during boarding and alighting. If
there are opposite doors, one of the two floor-levelled step covers is to be
regarded as standing room;
e) areas above which the clear height is less than 1,950 mm;
Note:
Ancillary accomodation are e.g. toilets, washrooms and kitchens.
By special duty vehicles the pay load corresponds to the maximum load resulting
from the manning and the loading of goods. The driver needed to operate the special
duty vehicle shall not be included.
Note:
This restriction is a consequence of the definition of the operating load.
The operating mass is the mass of the vehicle plus the maximum mass of the
operating materials and the staff mass (80 kg/person according to DIN 25008).
Note 1:
Load level II is only of importance for passenger vehicles.
Note 2:
Load level II (two-thirds load) in accordance with the Technical Rules for Brakes (TR Br) deviates from
load level EL4 according to DIN EN 13452-1 Section 5.2 as a function of the relation between seats
and the standing room. This does not result in modified requirements (see Section 5).
Note 1:
Per definition the delay time and the build-up time are not included.
Note 2:
If the retardation can only be kept constant in phases (e.g. in case of switchgroup control), a mean
value from the period of consideration is used as the continuous deceleration rate.
Note:
The average deceleration rate is an operand. The initial speed also has to be given for the complete
description.
2.5 Times
See the informal Annex 3, diagram 1, diagram 2, diagram 3 and diagram 4.
3 Requirements
3.1 Brake Independence
Several brakes are also considered to be interindependent if they are fed by the
same battery because experience has shown that the availability of this power
source is sufficiently high.
b) be able to stop at least once from the maximum speed of the line determined
locally with the maximum load at all gradients occurring within the system in
accordance with Clause 36(2) No. 3 of BOStrab and Clause 17(5) No. 1 of
BOStrab.
The amounts of sand to be cast are to be so calculated that failures, especially of the
train safety systems, are avoided.
The sanding equipment should be so arranged that sanding can at least be made in
front of the first braked wheels of each vehicle in the direction of travel. Depending on
the requirements for the braking deceleration additional sanding equipment may be
needed.
Note:
This applies particularly also to special duty vehicles(e.g. road-rail vehicles), which are operated on
sections with a long gradient and a longitudinal gradient > 40 ‰ (see the BOStrab Alignment
Regulations).
The sanding equipment has to cast sand automatically when driver emergency
braking is initiated.
Note:
Distinction shall be made between:
• emergencies, by which the exposure to danger is higher for the passengers if the train is
stopped on the line than if the train is stopped on a line section suited to rescue the passengers,
usually a platform.
This equipment has to be placed near each door for boarding and alighting and be
clearly recognisable.
In case of bidirectional vehicles one emergency device suffices for opposite doors.
If the emergency braking equipment in the vehicle is actuated at the stop/station, the
emergency braking has to immediately and automatically
a) the emergency braking equipment remains directly active within tunnel sections
for at least 8 seconds after the departure from the platform and at the most so
long that the head of the train is not more than 200 m away from the station
after the emergency stop,
b) the emergency braking equipment only remains directly active within sections
without safety space so long that the vehicle occupants can still leave the train
on their own at the platform.
Note:
The values mentioned for the definition of the areas “in the station” and “outside the station” in tunnels
are limit values. They are derived from
• the necessary minimum time for realisation of an emergency requiring immediate stopping of the
train (e.g. a passenger caught in the door) and for passengers’ actuation of the emergency
braking equipment and
• the physically conditioned stopping distance of the train under unfavourable conditions with
initiation of immediate emergency braking as late as possible due to the operating conditions.
The limit values make it possible to optimally adapt the passenger emergency braking to the operating
conditions (e.g. length of the trains, stopping place at the platform) and to the vehicle dynamics (e.g.
starting acceleration and braking deceleration).
The definition of the areas “in the station” and “outside the station” within sections without safety space
considers the structural conditions, which only allow that passengers independently leave a train
without special rescue facilities at the platform.
Note:
If the emergency braking equipment is actuated outside the stations, the factor determining the risk in
general is the risk of fire in the train. In such a case the passenger emergency braking introduced
within the mentioned line sections shall not be active directly and it has to be possible to drive to the
next station without avoidable delay of time as
− the track structure does not usually allow that the passengers can leave the train on their own
without special rescue facilities within sections without safety space,
− the possibilities of rescueing passengers are restricted in tunnels, especially due to the strong
development of smoke within the narrow tunnel space,
− the passengers can leave the endangered area faster and at less risk in a station and as
emergency and fire fighting measures can be taken more quickly and more effectively in a
station than within sections without safety space and in tunnels.
Outside the tunnels the possibilities of rescue, help and fire fighting are improved if the train runs to a
section with safety space. The different positions (level, above grade, cutting, in-street operation or
exclusive right-of-way operation) and the kind of track formation (ballast or ballastless track, paved) as
well as the various types of vehicles (e.g. with or without steps) require regulations adapted to the
local and operational conditions as well as to the technical vehicle conditions. The decisive criterion is
that the passengers can leave the endangered area as fast and safely as possible in the event of a
hazardous situation, e.g. fire, in the train – also in case of darkness and unfavourable weather
conditions. Moreover, it is important that the conditions for help and fighting measures are provided.
Note:
This applies particularly to sections with a long gradient and a longitudinal gradient > 40 ‰ (see the
BOStrab Alignment Regulations).
Thus, it is to be proved via the measurements and the functional tests that the
provisions of Clause 36 of BOStrab and these Technical Rules for Brakes (TR Br)
are observed.
The required measurements and functional tests are the subject matters of test 1 and
test 2.
• by the acceptance of a new vehicle of a new series to be put into operation for
the first time in accordance with Clause 62 of BOStrab (type test);
• within the scope of inspections in accordance with Clause 57(3) and (4) of
BOStrab.
Note:
Analogously, the terms “Test 1” and “Test 2” used in these Technical Rules for Brakes (TR Br)
correspond to the terms “Test B” and “Test A” used in the former “Preliminary Brake Regulations” from
1988.
− Test 1 corresponds to Test B
− Test 2 corresponds to Test A
Note:
The comfort limit values given in DIN EN 13452-1 are not relevant for these Technical Rules for
Brakes (TR Br).
If the same brake systems are used in the same combination for several braking
functions, it is sufficient to carry out the stopping distance test for the braking function
with the highest requirements and additionally the functional test for the other braking
functions.
on a straight and level track within the system of the transport undertaking, provided
that nothing else is laid down in the below sections.
Note 1:
If only one driver’s cab is used for the brake test of bidirectional vehicles, at least the functional tests
are to be carried out for the other cab.
Note 2:
The given limit values apply for each of the load levels to be tested.
Note 1:
The definition of v < 0.1 km/h as standstill has got metrological reasons.
Note 2:
The stopping distance corresponds to the “braking distance” in Appendix 2 of BOStrab. The definition
“stopping distance” was selected in the sense of harmonisation with DIN EN 13452-1 Section 3.6.6.
When the service braking is tested in accordance with test 1, the initial speeds are
also
• the full value (three thirds) of the permitted maximum speed of the vehicle
conditional on the design
or
• the full value (three thirds) of the maximum speed permitted within the system if
this speed is lower than the maximum speed of the vehicle.
When the driver emergency braking is tested in accordance with test 1, the initial
speeds are also
• the full value (three thirds) of the permitted maximum speed of the vehicle
conditional on the design
or
• the full value (three thirds) of the maximum speed permitted within the system if
this speed is lower than the maximum speed of the vehicle, but maximum
70 km/h.
Deviating from this tolerance the brake tests may be carried out for special duty
vehicles in accordance with Clause 36(6) of BOStrab at two speeds differentiating by
at least 10 km/h.
In case of sufficient adhesion between the wheel and the rail the test may also be
made on a level and straight track with a tractive effort corresponding to the downhill-
slope force; this test is permitted under all load levels.
The highest requirements for the braking performance and the braking force
occurring due to the gradients within the system are to be considered. The conditions
on all the other gradients are covered in that way.
Note:
This measurement is made to test the requirements mentioned in Section 3.7.
The tests proving that the vehicle observes the limit values listed in Appendix 2 of
BOStrab are – deviating from BOStrab – not only performed with empty, but also with
(partially) loaded vehicles; the corresponding load levels are defined in Section 2.3
(see Annex 1, Tables 2 A and 2 B).
Note 1:
Especially the passenger emergency braking and the driver emergency braking for passenger
vehicles at load level II (two-thirds load), which is a – in practice often occurring – load state felt as
“fully loaded” by the passenger, are tested.
Note 2:
In case of passenger vehicles of street-running systems the proof at load level II (two-thirds load),
which exceeds the requirements made in BOStrab, leads to an increased safety level within road
traffic. This can be a deviation from DIN EN 13452-1 Section 6.3, which is permitted according to this
standard.
Note 3:
In case of passenger vehicles operated within independent systems the emergency braking tests at
load level II (two-thirds load) are less important for the operational safety and merely serve as
supplementary tests for observation of the requirements of DIN EN 13452-1.
Note 4:
The observance of the stopping distances given by the train safety system, which is to be proved for
vehicles at load level II, is decisive for the operational safety of independent systems and for signalled
operation.
In case of service braking the continuous deceleration rate shall not exceed 2.0 m/s2
for reasons of safety and comfort of the standing passengers, which is in accordance
with Clause 36(2) No. 2 of BOStrab.
The brakes independent of the adhesion between the wheel and the rail are
especially intended for effective braking in the event of a hazard (see Section 2.2.4).
To determine their efficiency, the observance of the limit values for the dimensioning
of these brakes, which are listed in Annex 2 B, Table 3, is to be proved.
The requirements for the driver emergency braking are higher for an empty vehicle
according to BOStrab than according to DIN EN 13452-1. This is shown graphically
in Annex 2 C.
6 Index
A
Average deceleration rate 2.4.3, 4.3.2
B
Brake / brake system 2.1.1, 2.2.8, 4.1
Brake equipment 1, 2.1.2, 4.1
Brake failure 2.1.4, 3.2, 4.3.7
Annex 1 Table 2 A
Annex 2 A Table 1
Brake failure on the gradient 3.2, 4.3.7
Annex 1 Table 2 A
Brake independence 3.1
Braking 1, 2.1.1, 2.1.3
Braking independent of the wheel/rail
adhesion (rail brake) 3.5
Annex 2 B Table 3
Braking limit values 5
Braking of special duty vehicles 3.9
Annex 1 Table 2 A
Annex 1 Table 2 B
Braking on sections with gradients 3.8
Build-up time (liminal time) 2.5.2
C
Comfort limit values 4.1
Continuous deceleration rate 2.4.2, 3.4, 5
D
Dead load 2.3.1
Deceleration rates 2.2.4, 2.4, 5
Delay time (dead time) 2.5.1
Driver emergency braking 2.1.4, 2.2.4, 2.2.6, 3.6, 4.3.3, 5
Annex 1 Table 1
Annex 1 Table 2 A
Annex 2 A Table 2
Annex 2 C
Driving dynamics Annex 3 Diagram 1
Annex 3 Diagram 2
Annex 3 Diagram 3
Annex 3 Diagram 4
E
Emergency braking by
driverless train operation 2.2.5
F
Failure 2.1.4, 2.1.5
Failure of the entire electric
power supply of the brakes 3.3, 4.3.7
Annex 1 Table 2 A
Annex 1 Table 2 B
Further braking functions 2.2.10
I
Initial speeds 2.4.3, 4.3.3
L
Limit values 2.1.4, 2.4.1, 3.5, 3.7, 3.9, 4.3.1, 5
Annex 1 Table 2 A
Annex 1 Table 2 B
Annex 2 A Table 1
Annex 2 A Table 2
Annex 2 B Table 3
Annex 2 C
Loads 2.3
Load level I / operating load (empty vehicle) 2.3.3
Load level II (two-thirds load) 2.3.4
Load level III (maximum load) 2.3.5
M
Measurements and functional tests 4, 4.1
Annex 1 Table 2 A
Annex 1 Table 2 B
P
Parking braking 2.2.8, 4.3.6
Annex 1 Table 1
Annex 1 Table 2 A
Annex 1 Table 2 B
Passenger emergency braking 2.2.3, 2.2.6, 3.7, 4.3.8, 5
Annex 1 Table 1
Annex 1 Table 2 A
Annex 1 Table 2 B
Pay load 2.3.2, 2.3.4, 2.3.5, 4.1
Annex 1 Table 2 A
Annex 1 Table 2 B
R
Road-rail vehicles 3.6
Response time 2.5.3
S
Safety braking 2.2.6
Annex 1 Table 1
Annex 1 Table 2 A
Annex 1 Table 2 B
Sanding equipment 3.6, 4.3.4
Annex 1 Table 2 A
Annex 1 Table 2 B
Service braking 2.2.1, 2.2.6, 3.4, 4.3.3, 5
Annex 1 Table 1
Annex 1 Table 2 A
Annex 1 Table 2 B
T
Test conditions 4.3, 4.3.7
Train separation braking 2.2.7, 4.3.5
Annex 1 Table 1
Annex 1 Table 2 A
Annex 1 Table 2 B
Train test 4.2
Annex 4 Table 1
V
Vigilance system braking 2.2.2
Annex 1 Table 1
Annex 1 Table 2 A
Annex 1 Table 2 B
Table 1
2 Vigilance system braking Emergency 1 2.2.2 3.2.3 Clause 38(2) by vigilance system or ATO
8 Parking braking Parking braking 2.2.8 3.2.7.2 Clause 36(4) by driver, ATO or automatically
Limit values in case of brake failure Limit values for the driver emergency braking Limit values for the dimensioning of the
(Clause 36(3) and (6)) (Clause 36(5) No. 3) braking independent of the wheel/rail
adhesion (rail brakes)
(Section 3.5)
v a s v a s v a s
km/h m/s2 m km/h m/s2 m km/h m/s2 m
20 0.77 20 20 1.71 9 20 0.39 40
80 1.07 230
90 1.08 290
See Section 2.4.3 for definition of the symbols and the calculation method.
The values are the average deceleration rates and measured on a straight and level track.
Contrary to BOStrab the load levels acc. to Annex 1, Tables 2 A and 2 B are to be considered.
Diagram 1
Diagram 2
Diagram 3
Diagram 4
Table 1
Vehicle
I 1 3
II 2 2
III 3 1
IV 4 0