LATERAL RAIL FORCES DUE TO VARIOUS LOCOMOTIVE AND TRAIN CONSISTS

A series of tests was performed to determine the lateral forces developed by various types of locomotives and train consists. Analysis of the data indicates that no excessive lateral forces were developed by any of the test consists. The maximum average force, 7,400 pounds was developed by the T.P.F.C. freight. The effect of roadway irregularities on lateral forces generated by normal consists remains largely unknown. Based on the results of this test series, it is concluded that light locomotive, passenger and freght consists generate relatively low lateral force on good roadway. There is a slight reduction in maximum lateral forces as training tonnage is increased. A study of the available research literature on the forces required to overturn rail shows that the maximum pressures measured were about 30% of the forces theoretically needed.

• Corporate Authors:

  Chesapeake and Ohio Railway

  Terminal Tower, PO Box 6419
  Cleveland, OH  United States  44101

  Baltimore and Ohio Railroad

  Baltimore & Ohio Building, 2 North Charles Street
  Baltimore, MD  United States  21201
• Authors:
  • LUEBKE, R W
• Publication Date: 1967-4-13

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Tables;
• Pagination: 14 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Failure; Field tests; Freight trains; Locomotives; Railroad rails; Railroad trains; Subgrade (Pavements); Technology; Tonnage; Train operations
• Uncontrolled Terms: Lateral dynamics
• Geographic Terms: United States
• Old TRIS Terms: Rail failure; Train load
• Subject Areas: Freight Transportation; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00037598
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: Test Rpt
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 6 1976 12:00AM