TRACK STRUCTURES FOR HEAVY WHEEL LOADS

The load bearing capability of track depends on the combined characteristics of foundation, superstructure and loads to be carried. Evidence is that loads imposed by 100-ton cars exceed the load-bearing capacity of much of the track over which they operate. Track deterioration under heavy loads appears in the form of loss of surface and line; in conversion of subgrade and ballast sections into plastic masses that pump mud and water, in wide gauge, plate cutting, tie splitting and spike-killed ties; in rapid wear, battered rail ends and in formation of corrugated and shelly rail. After discussing facets of track design and track deflection, the problems of ballast and subgrade are examined and the effects of wheel loads are detailed. Ten recommendations for combatting effects of high wheel loads and two other lines of action for limiting or accounting in advance for track deterioration are suggested.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Proceedings of the 12th Annual Railroad Engineering Conference held at Pueblo, Colorado, October 23-24, 1975. The complete volume is RRIS 02 132958, Pricing is for the complete volume: Repr. PC $6.75, Microfiche$2.25, NTIS PB-252968/AS.
• Corporate Authors:

  Federal Railroad Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Hay, W W
• Conference:
  • Proceedings of the 12th Annual Railroad Engineering Conference held at Pueblo, Colorado, October 23-24, 1975. The complete volume is RRIS 02 132958, Pricing is for the complete volume: Repr. PC $6.75, Microfiche$2.25, NTIS PB-252968/AS.
• Publication Date: 1975-10

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: p. 27-36

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Axle load force; Corrugated rail; Defects; Deterioration; Dynamics; Maintenance of way; Pavement subgrade; Rail steel; Railroad rails; Railroad tracks; Soil stabilization; Stresses; Structural design; Track ballast; Train track dynamics; Wheels
• Uncontrolled Terms: Ballast; Track design
• Old TRIS Terms: Axle loadings; Rail flaw propagation; Rail steel metallurgy; Rail stress; Track deterioration; Track stress; Track structures
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00132961
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Federal Railroad Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: FRA OR&D 76-243
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Jun 5 1976 12:00AM