GRINDING RAILS: THE NORFOLK SOUTHERN EXPERIENCE

A series of ongoing grinding trials, at twelve test sites, all containing premium head-hardened rail laid on wooden ties, were installed in a series of curves on the line between Roanoke and Bluefield, VA; eight sites contain ingot-cast rail and the other four contain continuous cast rail. One third of the sites was ground aggressively, on average every 41 million gross tons (mgt) up to 330 mgt, another third was ground at the same interval but less aggressively; the last third remained largely unground until 330 mgt of traffic had been accumulated, at which time low rails at three of the sites were ground to remove cracks and spalls. The article provides some of the key conclusions, and lists some of the benefits, such as improved inspection, reduced corrugation, potentially improved steering, and reduced defect levels.

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

  Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation

  345 Hudson Street
  New York, NY  United States  10014
• Authors:
  • Bowman, R
• Publication Date: 2000-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: p. 15-19
• Serial:
  • Railway Track and Structures
  • Volume: 96
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation
  • ISSN: 0033-9016

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Cast steel; Corrugations (Defects); Cracking; Rail grinding; Spalling; Steel rails; Train track dynamics; Wood ties
• Subject Areas: Maintenance and Preservation; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00791191
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 19 2000 12:00AM