TRACK STRESS RESEARCH

The purpose of this work was (1) to verify the speed allowance formula, (2) to investigate the increment of stress over and above the static effect under normal conditions from track defects, (3) to investigate the conditions of support at rail joints, (4) to investigate the stability of ballast, and (5) to investigate the effects on rails and sleepers of the lateral forces set up by the hunting movement of locomotives. In regard to (1) and (2) it was found that experimental static deflections and stresses are in reasonably close agreement with calculated values. In regard to (3), it was concluded that stronger fishplates are needed to facilitate maintenance and rail joints of inadequate strength are the cause of much of the impact effect. Increasing the number of sleepers will reduce this impact effect. In regard to (4), the shape of the sleeper was found experimentally to have no noticeable influence on its deflection under a given load, but stress distribution between the sleepers and subsoil requires investigation. In regard to (5), further investigation on curved track was recommended to confirm the consideration that design to rolling stock to reduce nosing on the sharper main-line curves would reduce the secondary stresses and thus offset the increased stress due to centrifugal effects.

• Corporate Authors:

  Temple Press Limited

  161-166 Fleet Street
  Longon EC4,   England 
• Authors:
  • Gelson, W E
  • Blackwood, F A
• Publication Date: 1940-2-23

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 254-255
• Serial:
  • RAILWAY GAZETTE
  • Volume: 73

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Axle loads; Ballast (Railroads); Curved track; Defects; Deflection; Deformation; Deformation curve; Dynamic loads; Dynamics; Hunting (Dynamics); Maintenance of way; Rail (Railroads); Rail joints; Railroad ties; Railroad tracks; Spacing; Stability (Mechanics); Stresses; Tangent track; Technology; Tie bars; Train track dynamics; Trucks; Vehicle dynamics; Velocity; Wheels
• Uncontrolled Terms: Ballast; Depressions (Indentations); Lateral dynamics; Track stability; Vertical dynamics
• Geographic Terms: India
• Old TRIS Terms: Axle loadings; Cross tie spacing; Rail deflection; Rail stress; Track deformation; Track stress
• Subject Areas: Motor Carriers; Railroads; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00037249
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 8 1994 12:00AM