Unsupervised anomaly detection for earthquake detection on Korea high-speed trains using autoencoder-based deep learning models

We propose a method for detecting earthquakes for high-speed trains based on unsupervised anomaly-detection techniques. In particular, we utilized autoencoder-based deep learning models for unsupervised learning using only normal training vibration data. Datasets were generated from South Korean high-speed train data, and seismic data were measured using seismometers nationwide. The proposed method is compared with the conventional Short Time Average over Long Time Average (STA/LTA) model, considering earthquake detection capabilities, focusing on a Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) threshold of 0.07, a criterion for track derailment. The results show that the proposed model exhibit improved earthquake detection capabilities than STA/LTA for PGA of 0.07 or higher. Furthermore, the proposed model reduced false earthquake detections under normal operating conditions and accurately identified normal states. In contrast, the STA/LTA method demonstrated a high rate of false earthquake detection under normal operating conditions, underscoring its propensity for inaccurate detection in many instances. The proposed approach shows promising performance even in situations with limited seismic data and offers a viable solution for earthquake detection in regions with relatively few seismic events.