PREDICTING THE EFFECT OF STIFFNESS ON TRACK QUALITY

When a particular length of track has the same track components, and is used by trains travelling at the same speed with the same axle load, the major cause of geometrical irregularities (differential settlement) is likely to be the condition of the track bed. Recent research by the authors has shown that the most significant factor in determining track quality is the variability of the trackbed, in particular the condition of the ballast and the stiffness characteristics of the underlying layers. Mathematical models that predict deterioration of track geometry have typically assumed that the properties of ballast and the underlying layers are uniform along the track. However, data collected in the last three years on UK railway sites has demonstrated that this is not the case. Indeed, there is a strong relationship between trackbed properties and variation in track quality. By combining site data with past research into breakdown of ballast, it has been possible to develop a quantitative model relating track deterioration to train loading and speed. This paper presents the rationale behind the model and explains how data required for its validation has been measured at a particular site. The calibrated model will help to predict track quality, so that maintenance and renewals activities can be targeted more successfully in order to minimise whole life costs. For the covering abstract see ITRD E123713.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0947644458
• Corporate Authors:

  ENGINEERING TECHNICS PRESS

  46 CLUNY GARDENS
  EDINBURGH,   United Kingdom  EH10 6BN
• Authors:
  • GRAINGER, P S
  • SHARPE, P
  • Collop, A C
• Publication Date: 2001

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 12 p.
• Serial:
  • PROCEEDINGS OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE RAILWAY ENGINEERING 2001, HELD LONDON, UK, 30 APRIL - 1 MAY 2001 - CDROM
  • Publisher: ENGINEERING TECHNICS PRESS

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Ballast (Railroads); Conferences; Deterioration; Ground settlement; Loads; Maintenance; Railroad tracks; Railroad trains; Speed; Stiffness; Subsoil
• Uncontrolled Terms: Ballast
• ITRD Terms: 4559: Coarse aggregate; 8525: Conference; 5255: Deterioration; 5567: Load; 3847: Maintenance; 1062: Railway track; 5792: Settlement; 5408: Speed; 5931: Stiffness; 2930: Subsoil; 1268: Train
• Subject Areas: Maintenance and Preservation; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00985495
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• ISBN: 0-947644-45-8
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Feb 4 2005 12:00AM