Testing Criteria for Non-Ballasted Track and Embedded Track Systems

The EC co funded research project Urban Track aims at reducing the total life cycle cost of urban rail systems by 25%. This goal will be achieved through the development of low cost track designs that take into account the maintenance aspects in order to reduce maintenance costs and increase track availability. The new track systems will have a low track modulus to minimize ground borne noise and vibrations and minimize rail wear. Acceptance of track systems depends on proving they are fit for service by amongst others successfully completing a repeated load test. However, experience has shown that under site specific conditions and especially in small radius curves, very resilient rail fasteners have failed in service despite the fact that the design passed the repeated load test in the lab according to the existing norms. In addition, there is no clear normative frame for repeated load testing of embedded track. Current practice is based on the standard for testing of direct fixation fasteners. This paper discusses the development of a method to define the repeated load test conditions for resilient rail fasteners and embedded continuously supported fastenerless rail systems and situations. For existing track systems, the proposed method is based on the use of experimental on site data; for new systems the proposed method is based on the results of multi body simulations with for track and vehicle. The repeated load tests are executed by applying an artificial force in one point of the railhead of a sample assembly of a limited length. The artificial force is applied in such a way that the same lateral and vertical rail displacements are obtained that were derived from the measurements or the simulations. The method for existing rail systems and situations starting from rail displacement measurements is illustrated in detail as it was applied to the testing of very resilient rail fasteners.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/1931594317
• Corporate Authors:

  American Public Transportation Association

  1666 K Street, NW, Suite 1100
  Washington, DC  United States  20006
• Authors:
  • Van Leuven, Andre
  • Vanhonacker, Tom
• Conference:
  • 2008 American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Rail Conference
  • Location: San Francisco CA, United States
  • Date: 2008-6-1 to 2008-6-4
• Publication Date: 2008

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: CD-ROM
• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: 7p
• Monograph Title: Rail Conference 2008 Proceedings

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Ballastless track; Life cycle costing; Maintenance of way; Rail fasteners; Railroad tracks; Testing; Vibration
• Uncontrolled Terms: Embedded track
• Subject Areas: Finance; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01115096
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 1931594317
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 25 2008 7:31AM