SERVICE PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMICS OF 78-FT RAIL; SPECIFICATIONS FOR 78-FT RAIL

The service test of rail laid in 78-ft lengths on the Illinois Central Railroad was covered in this progress report. The prime purpose of the test was the determination of adequate arrangement of rail anchors to control rail creepage better, and to obtain an improved rail gap uniformity. Winter gaps were measured before adjustment of the gaps was made. The average of summer gaps in the two test sections was not materially changed by the adjustment of gaps in the winter, except for one rail. The joints in this rail that would not close at high temperatures, before adjustment, now have summer gaps comparable to other joints measured. The anchorage, alternate ties boxed, in the test mile will give satisfactory results with 78-ft rail provided it is laid with expansion required to have it tight at 85 deg. Because joint slippage resistance is required to keep the joints from opening too much in the winter, especially in 78-ft rail, it is important that the track bolts be retightened frequently. In proposing expansion of the use of 78-ft rail a table is provided.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Railway Engineering Association

  59 East Van Buren Street
  Chicago, IL  United States  60605
• Publication Date: 1961-2

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: p. 635-638
• Serial:
  • AREA BULLETIN
  • Volume: 62 N
  • Issue Number: 563
  • Publisher: American Railway Engineering Association

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Creep; Rail joints; Railroad rails; Specifications
• Old TRIS Terms: Rail creep; Rail specifications
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00052334
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Association of American Railroads
• Report/Paper Numbers: Proceeding
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 15 1976 12:00AM