THE DIRECT INSPECTION OF TRACK

Having identified several modes of track failure, including gauge widening and rail overturning that involve the condition of cross ties and rail fasteners, AAR's Track Strength Characterization Program undertook to measure rail spreading as a method of nondestructive inspection. After preliminary laboratory work with a rail spreader, a vehicle was designed to perform this type of loading so that it could measure the track over which it passed. The Decarotor (ten wheels) vehicle is capable of applying independent lateral and vertical loads to each rail and has been tested in yards and on mainline track. It appears that, with added refinement, the concept is a viable track inspection tool.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/1763403
• Corporate Authors:

  Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation

  508 Birch Street
  Bristol, CT  United States  06010
• Authors:
  • Zarembski, A M
• Publication Date: 1980-11

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: p. 30
• Serial:
  • Railway Track and Structures
  • Volume: 76
  • Issue Number: 11
  • Publisher: Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation
  • ISSN: 0033-9016

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Deterioration; Gage (Rails); Inspection cars; Nondestructive tests; Rail fasteners; Railroad ties; Research projects; Spikes
• Uncontrolled Terms: Research programs
• Old TRIS Terms: Cross tie deterioration; Decarotor; Gauge widening; Track gauge
• Subject Areas: Railroads; Research;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00323235
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 6 1981 12:00AM