Preventive Measures against Snow for High-Speed Train Operation in Japan

Abstract

Since bullet train operation started between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka (the Tokaido Shinkansen line) in 1964, Shinkansen trains have been damaged by snow while running at high speed every winter. Although water has been sprinkled over the track and speed control has been implemented to prevent snow on the track from flying up when trains run, these measures have not been completely. In this study, we reproduced a snow-flying phenomenon by implementing model tests to investigate the relationship between the density and water content of the snow cover. Appropriate speed limits were proposed based on the test results. It is planned to construct a Shinkansen network throughout Japan. In the present constrained economic situation, it is necessary for Shinkansen lines to be extended to snowy areas to reduce the costs of construction and snow control measures. Aiming at the reduction of running cost for snow control measures, we designed a viaduct for the Hokuriku Shinkansen line that is planned in Hokuriku region, one of the most snowy areas in Japan. In this paper, we describe the concept of the viaduct and demonstrate its effectiveness as a measure against snow through tests with a full-scale mockup and a motorcar rotary.