Evaluation of Deterioration Tendency of Messenger Wires and Hinged Cantilever in Shinkansen Tunnel Section

Although recent research aims to extend the lifespan and reduce the maintenance requirements of railway electrical equipment, it remains difficult to quantitatively predict and evaluate equipment deterioration caused by corrosion and wear. In this study, we analyzed and evaluated the deterioration trends of messenger wires and hinged cantilevers in Shinkansen power facilities, where corrosion is the main deterioration factor. Messenger wires and hinged cantilevers are important components around the contact wire. A common issue with both is that, although the deterioration state of the equipment should be managed as a key indicator, the deterioration state in tunnels has not been evaluated. Therefore, in this study, the corrosion tendency of galvanized steel, which is the main material for both, was evaluated. No significant galvanization corrosion was observed, except in equipment directly exposed to water leakage. This indicates that if direct water leakage can be controlled, galvanized steel can be used continuously for more than 40 years.