ASSESSMENT OF DESIGN TOOLS AND CRITERIA FOR URBAN RAIL TRACK STRUCTURES. VOLUME I. AT-GRADE TIE-BALLAST TRACK

The report presents the results of a critical review of the technical factors which govern the design and performance of at-grade tie-ballast track for urban rail systems. The assessment of current design practice is based on a review of the literature and discussions with experienced track design personnel. The evaluation includes design loads and the criteria for selecting rail size, tie size and spacing, ballast depth, and subgrade parameters. The major track problems identified were rail joints, rail wear and noise on curves, rail fasteners, and rail corrugation. Detailed technical evaluations were made to determine those areas where the track design procedures are inadequate. The report includes detailed information for the engineering design of track and recommendations for both short and long-range program plans for future research pertaining to the improvement of track performance.

Record URL:
Supplemental Notes:
- See also Volume 2, PB-233017. RRIS #012656.
Corporate Authors:
Battelle Columbus Laboratories

505 King Avenue
Columbus, OH United States 43201
Authors:
- PRAUSE, R H
- MEACHAM, H C
Publication Date: 1974-4

Media Info

Media Type: Digital/other
Pagination: 247 p.

Subject/Index Terms

TRT Terms: Ballast (Railroads); Corrugations (Defects); Design; Rail fasteners; Rail joints; Railroad rails; Railroad ties; Railroad tracks; Rapid transit; Spacing; Structural design; Track components; Wear
Uncontrolled Terms: Design criteria; Rail corrugation; Track design
Old TRIS Terms: Ballast depth; Cross tie spacing
Subject Areas: Design; Public Transportation; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

Accession Number: 00057884
Record Type: Publication
Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
Report/Paper Numbers: Final Rpt.
Contract Numbers: DOT-TSC-563
Files: NTIS, TRIS
Created Date: Nov 12 1981 12:00AM