AERIAL STRUCTURE AND RAIL SUPPORT METHODS REPORT NO 11

A series of tests was run for BART to evaluate the ability of rail fasteners to maintain electrical isolation, reduce noise levels, and provide safety and economy; and to determine their suitability for use on advanced design concrete aerial structures. The evaluation of several types of concrete ties and the results of tests on a new concept in the installation of rail fasteners and associated hardware on concrete aerial structures are included. Investigation showed that a new concept of track support was required for aerial structures and subways; further, it was realized that the fastener chosen for use on the aerial structures can also be used on the underground portions of the rapid transit system, a fact which will limit the types of rail fasteners needed for the system. Subsequent studies, therefore, are geared to the choice of a fastener suitable for use on aerial structures. On aerial structures rail fasteners must be simple enough for one man to assemble with hand-carried tools. The fastener must remain stable under the application of a 15,000-pound wheel load and must be capable of holding a longitudinal force of approximately 2,000 pounds of 3,000,000 cycles of loading in a test machine. Other criteria for fasteners of rail and aerial structures are listed. The "second pour" technique, which still requires further development, is to be used in installing track fasteners on concrete surfaces in order to guarantee that the anchor bolts will not come in direct contact with reinforcing steel. Indications from test results indicate that concrete ties are safe and economical and perform well under the type of transit loadings expected in the BARTD system.

• Corporate Authors:

  Parsons, Brinckerhoff-Tudor-Bechtel

  814 Mission Street
  San Francisco, CA  United States  94103
• Publication Date: 1966

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Environmental protection; Fastenings; Guideways; Noise; Noise control; Rail fasteners; Rail transit facilities; Railroad tracks; Rapid transit; Structural supports
• Uncontrolled Terms: Subway noise
• Old TRIS Terms: Aerial structures/rapid transit noise; Rapid transit noise; Rapid transit noise/aerial structures; Track support structures
• Subject Areas: Construction; Environment; Public Transportation; Railroads; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00044810
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: CAL-mtd-2
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 24 1982 12:00AM