INSTRUCTION GOVERNING THE SUPERELEVATION OF OUTER RAIL AND THE SPEED OF TRAINS ON CURVES

This specification for operations practice provides four superelevation tables: Table A gives the equilibrium elevation for various speeds on curves at which the overturning forces are balanced by the superelevation. Table B gives the speed at which conventional passenger equipment will ride comfortably around a curve. Three additional inches of superelevation would be required for balance of overturning forces. Table C gives a modified speed which may be authorized for freight trains. The superelevation is between equilibrium and comfortable. Table D gives a maximum theoretically safe speed assuming a center of gravity at 98 inches above the rails. This table is not to be used for elevating track. It is for information only. Change in superelevation will follow the alignment spiral where possible. The rate of change of superelevation should not exceed 1/2" in 31' for speeds up to 50 mph or 3/8" in 31' for speeds over 50 mph.

• Corporate Authors:

  Baltimore and Ohio Railroad

  Baltimore & Ohio Building, 2 North Charles Street
  Baltimore, MD  United States  21201

  Chesapeake and Ohio Railway

  Terminal Tower, PO Box 6419
  Cleveland, OH  United States  44101
• Publication Date: 1970-4-28

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 8

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Curved track; Railroad tracks; Railroad trains; Safety; Spirals; Structural design; Superelevation; Tangent track; Technology; Velocity
• Uncontrolled Terms: Track geometry
• Geographic Terms: United States
• Subject Areas: Highways; Railroads; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00040188
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: BULLETIN NO R-13 Engr Rpt
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 6 1976 12:00AM