RAILROAD SWITCH DESIGN AND FAILURE MODE ANALYSIS

A study by the Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI) on railroad switches found that switch maintenance, rather than an improved switch design, is the key to both maximum product service life and reduced derailments occurring from broken, worn or damaged switches. The study involved a literature review, a railroad performance expert survey, and a switch failure mode analysis of North American freight railroad mainline and yard switches. Results from the study lead to the identification of the most common railroad switch designs used, the significant switch failure modes that were found, and potential research opportunities.

• 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:
  • Davis, D D
  • Mesnick, D B
  • Terrill, V R
• Publication Date: 2003-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 19-21
• Serial:
  • Railway Track and Structures
  • Volume: 99
  • Issue Number: 6
  • Publisher: Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation
  • ISSN: 0033-9016

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Derailments; Failure analysis; Railroad tracks; Railroad turnouts; Switches (Railroads)
• Subject Areas: Operations and Traffic Management; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00962246
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
• Files: BTRIS, TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 2 2003 12:00AM