HANDLING HAL : HEAVY-AXLE-LOAD TRAFFIC HAS GREAT POTENTIAL TO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY, BUT ONLY WITH TACTICS AND STRATEGIES TO MITIGATE ITS POUNDING OF TRACK

This article discusses the need for the railway industry to improve the ability of track to handle heavy-axle-load (HAL) traffic. Heavier loads theoretically offer railroads more profitability, but often these additional revenues are eaten by the maintenance required by the tracks after bearing the extra weight. Several strategies for mitigating track pounding and extending rail life are offered, including optimizing wheel profiles, maintaining proper rail gauges, optimizing top-of-rail friction, and developing car/locomotive curving performance specifications. The article advocates developing a proper preventive-grinding program, establishing a best-practice friction management program, and regular lubrication of the gauge face of rails. Other methods for dealing with HAL traffic and improving productivity include establishing and executing proper data management plans.

  • Availability:
  • Corporate Authors:

    Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation

    345 Hudson Street
    New York, NY  United States  10014
  • Authors:
    • Judge, T
  • Publication Date: 2003-7

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Features: Photos;
  • Pagination: p. 29-30
  • Serial:

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00962235
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
  • Files: BTRIS, TRIS
  • Created Date: Sep 2 2003 12:00AM