TRACK MODULUS: ITS MEANING AND FACTORS INFLUENCING IT

Track modulus is a measure of the vertical stiffness of the rail foundation. Another parameter, track stiffness, is a measure of the vertical stiffness of the entire track structure. Both are related to the track performance. In order to provide a basis for assessing and modifying track performance, the definitions of track modulus and track stiffness are reviewed, and four methods of determining track modulus or track stiffness are discussed. On the basis of analysis with a track structure model, the effects of superstructure and substructure factors influencing track modulus are illustrated and the means of altering track modulus are suggested. Finally, the relationship between the track modulus and track performance is discussed. The subgrade soil conditions are shown to have the greatest influence on track modulus and stiffness. Next in importance are the combined ballast-subballast thickness and the vertical tie-fastener stiffness.

• Record URL:
  http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1994/1470/1470-006.pdf
• Record URL:
  https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=TRACK+MODULUS%3A+ITS+MEANING+AND+FACTORS+INFLUENCING+IT&author=E.+Selig&author=D.+Li&publication_year=1994
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0309061016
• 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:
  • Selig, Ernest T
  • Li, Dingqing
• Publication Date: 1994

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 47-54
• Monograph Title: Railroad research issues
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record
  • Issue Number: 1470
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Ballast (Railroads); Definitions; Modulus; Performance; Railroad tracks; Soils; Subballast; Subgrade (Pavements); Substructures; Superstructures; Thickness
• Uncontrolled Terms: Ballast; Soil conditions; Subgrade (Railroads); Track modulus; Track stiffness
• Old TRIS Terms: Determination; Vertical tie-fastener stiffness
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00677726
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 0309061016
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: May 22 1995 12:00AM