Automated Measurements of Lateral Track Panel Strength and Examinations of Track Maintenance Effects Using AAR's Track Loading Vehicle

This report summarizes test results and findings under the project "TLV Track Panel Shift and Lateral Track Strength Tests." The project was jointly funded by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). These tests were performed primarily off-site on Norfolk Southern revenue tracks, but a significant portion of tests was conducted on the Transportation Technology Center's (TTC's) test tracks. The study was conducted to complement previous testing done by AAR for developing a prototype technique for automated track strength measurement and for studying the effects of track maintenance operations. Major results from this study included (1) the successful development and demonstration of a prototype Track Loading Vehicle (TLV) technique for automated lateral track strength measurements; (2) quantitative examination of the effects on lateral strength of wood tie tracks of surfacing and tamping, dynamic ballast stabilization and accumulative traffic; and (3) survey of Class 1 railroad slow orders and quantitative comparisons with TLV track strength test results.

• Record URL:
  • https://www.fra.dot.gov/eLib/details/L18191#p1_z50_gD_lRT_y1999
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Technology Center, Incorporated

  55500 DOT Road, P.O. Box 11130
  Pueblo, CO  United States  81001

  Federal Railroad Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Li, Dingqing
  • Shust, William
• Publication Date: 1999-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Research Report
• Features: Figures; Photos; References;
• Pagination: 106p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Maintenance of way; Prototype tests; Railroad tracks; Wood ties
• Uncontrolled Terms: Automated measurement systems; Lateral strength; Track loading vehicles
• Subject Areas: Maintenance and Preservation; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01680163
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: R-918
• Contract Numbers: DTFR 53-93-R-00058
• Files: TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: Sep 11 2018 2:46PM