Automatic Warning Systems (AWS) GE/RT8035

Compliance Requirements
Where existing infrastructure does not comply with the requirements of GE/RT8035, the infrastructure controller shall take action as follows: Where an existing route has not yet been fitted with AWS, a plan for fitment shall be produced by 01 June 2002, and implementation shall be completed by 31 December 2003. Any proposal not to fit a route (eg low usage freight lines) shall be supported by an authorised derogation in accordance with GA/RT6006. Where an investigation into a signal passed at danger indicates that the risk of recurrence could be mitigated by alterations to the AWS track equipment arrangements, the revised arrangements shall be in accordance with this document.

System Description
Purpose of AWS AWS is provided to give train drivers in-cab warnings of the approach to signals, reduction in permissible speed and temporary/emergency speed restrictions, and to apply the brakes in the event that a driver does not acknowledge cautionary warnings given by the system.

System Description
Basic system operation Application to signals As a train approaches a signal, it passes over AWS track equipment (magnets) which are fixed to the sleepers between the running rails. The magnets are sensed by a receiver mounted under the leading end of the train, and the information derived is passed to logic unit which interfaces with the AWS equipment in the cab and with the train brake system. The equipment in the cab

System Description
comprises audible and visual indicators, an acknowledgement push button, and a switch or similar device for isolating the AWS equipment if it is defective. If signal is displaying a clear aspect: A bell sounds Display all black (i.e. the appearance is a black circledescribed in the rule book as the Normal indication) No action in respect of the AWS by driver

System Description
Signal displaying caution or stop aspect A horn sounds Display shows all black Driver has to acknowledge by operating acknowledgement push button On acknowledgement horn is silenced Visual indicator changes to a segmented yellow and black circular display (as a reminder passed a cautionary or stop aspect)

System Description

System Description
Driver fails to acknowledge the warning horn within a set time: brakes are applied automatically and the visual indicator remains all black and the horn continues to sound. Driver belatedly acknowledges, the horn is silenced, display changes to yellow and black and the train brakes are allowed to be released. Isolating the on-board AWS equipment facility is provided in the cab to cope up with equipment failure like unwanted brake application, horn sounding continuously and to deal with a train brought to stand with AWS receiver directly over AWS track equipment.

System Description
System operation for permissible speeds and speed restrictions: Where AWS equipment is provided on the approach to reductions in permissible speed and temporary speed restrictions, the cab equipment always operates in a manner equivalent to the approach to a signal displaying a caution or stop aspect.

Provision of AWS track equipment

AWS for lineside signals AWS equipment shall be provided at all main colour light signals except as permitted by exemptions (Refer GE/RT8035 clauses B6.1.1 & B6.5) like on bay and terminal platform lines, the platform signal nearest the buffer stops does not have to be fitted, in some semaphore area signals, etc. All main colour light signals which give access to running lines from non-running lines. All semaphore distant signals and signs that perform the function of a distant signal shall be fitted with AWS.

Provision of AWS track equipment

The positioning of the AWS track equipment shall give the driver sufficient time between receiving the audible/visual warnings and passing the associate signal. This shall not be less than 3 seconds. AWS track equipment shall usually be positioned so that the driver is able to see the associated signal under conditions of normal visibility at the time that the audible/visual warnings are received. In exceptional circumstances, it is permissible to place AWS track equipment such that the audible/visual warnings are received by the driver before the signal becomes visible, where this will:

Provision of AWS track equipment

1. help the driver to obey the signal in a safe manner, and 2. Not create a risk that the driver fails to associate the audible/visual warning with the signal. AWS track equipment for signals shall usually be positioned as follows: a) 180 metres (tolerance +10%, -5%) before a signal where the permissible speed is not greater than 160 km/hr. b) 230 metres (tolerance +10%, -5%) where the permissible speed is greater than 160 km/hr.

Provision of AWS track equipment

The position of the AWS track equipment in relation to the signal shall be subject to endorsement by a signal sighting committee (Refer GK/RT8037). AWS for movements from unfitted lines to fitted lines a) Where there is a turn out from a through running line that is not fitted with AWS, onto an AWS fitted line, AWS track equipment shall be provided for the stop signal controlling the movement onto the fitted line. The track equipment shall be positioned beyond but as close as practicable to, the signal and should provide an indication for the movement onto the fitted line and consistent to the aspect seen by the driver.

Provision of AWS track equipment

Provision of AWS track equipment

The distant signal associated with stop signal shall not be fitted. For movements through the unfitted line no AWS indication shall be given to the driver. This shall be achieved by suppressing the magnetic fields of the track equipment. b. Where the running line not fitted with AWS leads only to an AWS fitted line (ie the two lines converge), the stop signal controlling movements from the unfitted line to the fitted line and the associated distant signal shall both be fitted with AWS track equipment.

Provision of AWS track equipment

Provision of AWS track equipment

Provision of AWS at other locations The requirements for the provision of AWS equipment for reductions in permissible speed, and for temporary/emergency speed restrictions, are contained in GK/RT0038. The requirements for the provision of AWS equipment at warning boards on the approach to level crossings are contained in GI/RT7011. AWS magnet is provided on approach to SPAD indicators and the magnet is suppressed for signal movements, but Will give an AWS warning indication to the driver if the indicator is activated.

Provision of AWS for Speed Warning Indicators

Generally speed warning indicators shall be provided approaching each speed reduction, where the permissible speed on the approach is 60mph or greater and the required reduction in speed is one third or more of that permissible speed. Each warning indicator provided to meet the above requirement shall be provided with an associated AWS permanent magnet, except: 1. Where the warning board is situated on a line which is not required to be fitted with AWS 2. Where the AWS associated with a signal displaying cautionary aspect is able to provide an equivalent warning.

Provision of AWS for Speed Warning Indicators

Where a speed warning indicator for a diverging route is provided at a location other than adjacent to a signal displaying a cautionary aspect, separate AWS equipment shall be provided for the speed warning indicator. Where practicable, the AWS shall be suppressed when the junction signal, and any intervening signals between the speed warning indicator and the junction signal, have been cleared for a route through the junction to which the speed warning indicator does not apply.

Provision of AWS track equipment

AWS equipment shall not be positioned: a) Where a train is likely to come to a stand with the receiver for the active driving position over the AWS track equipment. b) Within 4 seconds traveling time of any other AWS track equipment. c) Where it could interfere with the correct operation of Automatic Power Control (APC) equipment, or vice versa. d) Where the correct operation of the AWS track equipment could be jeopardised by the proximity of DC traction cables or impedance bonds. Specifically, AWS track equipment shall not be positioned in either of the following locations: 1. Less than 3.5m from cross-track traction feeder cables, traction return bond or impedance bonds on DC electrified lines.

Provision of AWS track equipment

2. Less than 1.5 seconds travelling time (measured at the permissible speed) before cross-track traction feeder cables, traction return bonds or impedance bonds on DC electrified lines. In order to avoid confusion about which signal or sign the AWS track equipment applies to, the following items of equipment shall not be positioned between a signal and its associated AWS track equipment. a) Another main signal applicable to movements in the same direction. b) A warning indicator for a reduction in permissible speed. c) A warning board for a temporary or emergency speed restriction. d) Other AWS equipment applicable to movements in the same direction.

AWS GAP AREAS

Where an existing station area is not fitted with AWS track equipment, when the area is resignalled, AWS shall be fitted unless both. It is not reasonably practicable to do so (see clause B6.5.2), and All permissible speeds in the unfitted area are less than 50 km/hr. Where AWS is not provided, lineside signs shall be provided to indicate the commencement and termination of the gap on all running lines. The types of signs are specified in GI/RT7033, and shall be located as follows. The commencement of gap sign shall be positioned at or beyond the last fitted signal and before the position where the AWS equipment for the next signal would have been, had it been provided. The termination of gap sign shall be not less than 4 seconds travelling time before the AWS track equipment for the first fitted signal. The travelling time shall be calculated using the permissible speed.

a) b)

a)

b)

DESIGN AND CONFIGURATION OF AWS TRACK EQUIPMENT

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: The track equipment required for the various applications of AWS shall be as follows: a) A permanent magnet, with its south pole uppermost when fixed to the track. b) an electromagnet, with its north pole uppermost when fixed to the track and energised. c) A permanent magnet, with its south pole uppermost when fixed to the track, but whose magnetic field is capable of being suppressed when required. Suppression is achieved by energising an electromagnet which is integral with the permanent magnet. d) A permanent magnet for use as a depot test magnet, with its south pole uppermost when fixed to the track. e) DC electrified line require magnets of higher field strength than those provided on lines that are not DC electrified. The field strength requirements for all magnets are set out in section B9 of GE/RT8035.

PERMITTED COMBINATIONS OF AWS MAGNETS

MOUNTING OF MAGNETS ON THE TRACK

The magnetic centres of AWS magnets shall be positioned between the running rails, within 10 mm of the track centre line. Where magnets are used in combinations the magnetic centers of adjacent magnets shall be not less than 0.70 m and not more than 0.75 m apart. The uppermost surfaces of the magnets shall be not more than 12 mm above rail level. The physical arrangements for the securing of the AWS track equipment to the track shall not adversely affect either of the following: a) The mechanical integrity of the track. b) The electrical integrity of the train detection systems.

MOUNTING OF MAGNETS ON THE TRACK

MOUNTING OF MAGNETS ON THE TRACK

MOUNTING OF MAGNETS ON THE TRACK

CONTROL OF AWS TRACK EQUIPMENT BY THE SIGNALLING SYSTEM

COLOR LIGHT SIGNALS: The AWS electromagnet shall be energised only when the associated main signal is displaying a green aspect. In the case of a splitting distant signal, if either head is displaying a green aspect, then the AWS electromagnet shall be energised. A train approaching a signal at green therefore senses a south pole field followed by a north pole field, and the driver receives a clear AWS indication in the cab. A train approaching a signal that is displaying any other aspect, or that is not alight, senses only a south pole field, and receives a warning AWS indication.

CONTROL OF AWS TRACK EQUIPMENT BY THE SIGNALLING SYSTEM

SEMAPHORE SIGNALS: The AWS electromagnet shall be energised only when the associated distant semaphore signal is intentionally displaying off. Suppression of AWS track equipment In some circumstances it is necessary to suppress the operation of the AWS track equipment so that a train passing over it does not receive any indication. To achieve this, a suppressor magnet shall be provided, comprising a permanent magnetic element and an electromagnetic element as a single item of track equipment. The electromagnetic element shall be energised for a train movement over it in the direction for which the equipment does not apply, thereby suppressing the magnetic field above the suppressor magnet to a low residual level of flux density.

CONTROL OF AWS TRACK EQUIPMENT BY THE SIGNALLING SYSTEM

Suppression of AWS track equipment For the purpose of economising on trackside equipment power consumption, it is permissible for suppression to be removed as soon as the vehicle on which the receiver (for the active driving position) is mounted has passed over the AWS track equipment, rather than waiting for the whole train to pass clear. On single lines and bi-directionally signalled lines, AWS track equipment shall be suppressed for signalled movements in the direction to which the equipment does not apply. This applies to: a) running movements, shunting movements and movements on occupied lines. b) AWS for both signals and for reductions in permissible speed.

CONTROL OF AWS TRACK EQUIPMENT BY THE SIGNALLING SYSTEM

Suppression of AWS track equipment On single lines/bi-directional line, a train passing over the AWS equipment in the direction for which the equipment is provided therefore receives normal AWS indications. A train passing over the equipment in the opposite direction receives no AWS indications at all, and the status of the train borne AWS equipment is unaltered. Where a semaphore junction signal has both stop and distant arms (and is therefore provided with AWS) the AWS equipment shall be suppressed when the signal is cleared for a route to which the distant arm(s) is/are not applicable. AWS track equipment associated with stop signals that control movements from through unfitted lines to fitted lines shall be suppressed for movements along the unfitted line.

CONTROL OF AWS TRACK EQUIPMENT BY THE SIGNALLING SYSTEM

Any proposal not to provide AWS suppression shall be subject to risk assessment. Use of canceling indicators: Where AWS track equipment associated with signals and reductions in permissible speed is not suppressed for movements in the direction to which the equipment does not apply, an AWS canceling indicator shall be provided for each set of track equipment. Where provided for signals and reductions in permissible speed, cancelling indicators shall be positioned as follows: 1. 180 m beyond the AWS track equipment in the direction of movement to which the equipment does not apply. 2. Facing trains traveling in the direction to which the equipment does not apply.

TRAIN INTERFACE REQUIRMENTS FOR AWS TRACK EQUIPMENT

Standard strength track equipments are used on lines that are not DC electrified. Extra strength track equipments are used on lines that are DC electrified.

THANKS