Development and Validation of Inspection Gauges for Wheel Climb Safety at Switch Points

摘要

1. Goaf was to provide railroads with a set of practical and directly useable gauges for track inspectors to evaluate the condition of switch points. 2. A set of four inspection gauges was developed, each addressing a different failure mechanism and potential derailment condition. 3. During the two sets of field assessments, approximately 350 switches on 7 railroads/consultant organizations were inspected and evaluated. Evaluations Irtduded correlation between inspects and gauge assessment, and statistical and decision tree analyses, ail looking at the eftecttvenew of the gauges in identifying htgly-risk switch points. 4. Results of two fieid inspections showed extremely good agreement, with overall ratings of 8+%, in line with the statistical analysis. In several cases agreement was over 90% (and in one case 100%). Particularly good agreement with experienced inspertors. Some inspectors may not be famthar with specific derailments categorics 5. Feedback from the railroads and inspectors was very favorable Gauges addressed conditions which aft often overlooked such as excessive gauge fare wear (G4) In general, the gauges made for a more detailed inspection of the- switch point. Gauges will help train inexperienced inspectors and refine their judgement.