EFFECT ON TRACK OF HEAVY AXLE LOADS

The author recalls and makes reference to numerous studies on the problems of damage to rails caused by heavy axle loads. He quotes recommendations developed by AREA with regard to permissible axle loads in relation to wheel diameter and vehicle speed, and the ultimate tensile strength of rail steels. He mentions the experience of Australian Railways operating meneral lines with block- trains made up of very heavy wagons. He then gives formulae and tables in which the track maintenace cost, as per traffic unit, is expressed in relation to various variables and parameters: speed, axle weight on rail, age of ballast, linear weight of rail, curve radius, etc.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • International Engineering Conference Paper. 150th Anniversary of passenger railways.
• Corporate Authors:

  Institution of Mechanical Engineers

  1 Birdcage Walk
  London SW1H 9JJ,   England 
• Authors:
  • Gordon, E R
  • BREW, J R
• Conference:
  • International Engineering Conference Paper. 150th Anniversary of passenger railways.
• Publication Date: 1975-9

Media Info

• Features: References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 40-43

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Axle load force; Freight cars; Maintenance of way; Railroad rails; Stresses; Structural design; Track ballast; Unit trains
• Uncontrolled Terms: Ballast
• Old TRIS Terms: Axle loadings; Rail design; Rail stress
• Subject Areas: Design; Geotechnology; Maintenance and Preservation; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00131272
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: International Union of Railways
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 21 1976 12:00AM