TRACK MODULUS MEASUREMENTS ON A HEAVY HAUL LINE

Measurement of track deflection under vertical load is proposed as a means of assessing the structural condition of the track. The results can be presented in the form of (a) vertical rail deflection under a specified load or change in load, (b) track stiffness defined as the ratio of change to load to change in rail deflection, or (c) track (foundation) modulus as defined by the beam-on-elastic-foundation model. Examples of such data are given from tests on a heavy haul line. The single vertical load point method was used. Characteristics of the load-deflection relationships are shown. The curves were subdivided into two parts. The first part is the seating deflection, which indicates the voids under the rails and ties. The second part is the contact deflection, a function of the substructure layer stiffness properties. Deflection basins were also measured and compared with basins calculated using a computer model. The study showed that continuous deflection profiles along the track are useful in characterizing the track support conditions and their variations.

• Record URL:
  http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1994/1470/1470-009.pdf
• Record URL:
  https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=TRACK+MODULUS+MEASUREMENTS+ON+A+HEAVY+HAUL+LINE&author=W.+Ebersohn&author=E.+Selig&publication_year=1994
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• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper appears in Transportation Research Record No. 1470, Railroad Research Issues. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved
• Authors:
  • Ebersohn, Willem
  • Selig, Ernest T
• Publication Date: 1994

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 73-83
• Monograph Title: Railroad research issues
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record
  • Issue Number: 1470
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternatives analysis; Computer models; Deflection; Loads; Measurement; Modulus; Railroad tracks; Structural analysis
• Uncontrolled Terms: Track modulus; Track stiffness; Vertical loads
• Old TRIS Terms: Heavy haul railways; Load deflection; Track deflection
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00677729
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0309061016
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: May 22 1995 12:00AM