THE SUPERELEVATION OF RAILWAY CURVES

The most suitable superelevation for a given curve is determined as follows: the average speed on a tonnage basis should be ascertained from the actual known speeds of all trains, and the curve given the full theoretical superelevation corresponding to this average speed; and the maximum permissible speed on the curve should then be fixed as that corresponding to the above superelevation plus 4 inches. The first condition will result in equal loading of the two rails, and hence equal head wear and even maintenance of surface. The second ensures passenger comfort, and gives an ample factor of safety against derailment which is uniform for all curves, while at the same time it fixes an upper limit to the lateral forces acting on the track which is also the same for all radii. A table gives the superelevation for various radii for different average speeds, and the corresponding maximum permissible speeds.

• Corporate Authors:

  Temple Press Limited

  161-166 Fleet Street
  Longon EC4,   England 
• Authors:
  • Rapley, F
• Publication Date: 0

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 509-511
• Serial:
  • RAILWAY GAZETTE
  • Volume: 78

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Curved track; Dynamic loads; Maintenance of way; Passenger trains; Rail (Railroads); Railroad tracks; Railroad trains; Ride quality; Safety; Structural design; Superelevation; Technology; Velocity
• Uncontrolled Terms: Track geometry
• Geographic Terms: Argentina
• Subject Areas: Highways; Railroads; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00037699
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 8 1994 12:00AM