DISCUSSION ON STRESSES IN RAILROAD TRACK. PART 1

A discussion of the comparison of tests on stretches of welded track under observation was presented. The purpose was to learn of the magnitude and distribution of the anchorage given between the ties and ballast at the ends of the welded stretch and along its length to resist the forces set up by chance changes in the temperature of the rail, and to learn how the influences tending to change the length and alignment are met in the track. Stress measurements were made on the web of the rail, and the temperature of the rail was taken with the open ended thermocouple and portable potentiometer. The observations were reduced by temperature corrections of gage readings and made comparable for both strains and stresses. Throughout the intermediate part of the welded stretch very little change occurred throughout the variations in summer and winter temperatures. The rails changed length through an average distance of seven rail lengths for the end portions of the rails for both the summer and winter tests. For the higher summer temperatures and lower winter temperatures the stresses may be expected to increase in proportion to the increase in change of temperature from the 63 F base. Lateral deflection of angle bars occurred when bolts were tightened. Tightening of the inner bolts in worn bars also developed lateral bending stresses in the bars. The stresses were generally compressive and the bars bend about an axis appproaching the vertical and high tensile stresses occurred on the inner flanges of the bar. These will add to the tensile bending stresses produced by wheel loads.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Railway Engineering Association

  59 East Van Buren Street
  Chicago, IL  United States  60605
• Authors:
  • TALBOT, A N
• Publication Date: 1937

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: p. 674-681
• Serial:
  • AREA BULLETIN
  • Volume: 38
  • Publisher: American Railway Engineering Association

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alignment; Bending; Bending stress; Stresses; Temperature; Tension; Welded rail
• Uncontrolled Terms: Tensile stress
• Subject Areas: Materials; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00052477
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Association of American Railroads
• Report/Paper Numbers: Proceeding
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 15 1976 12:00AM