EFFECTS OF TRACK GEOMETRY AND TRACK COMPONENTS ON RAIL PERFORMANCE

摘要

A four-year study done at the Facility for Accelerated Service Testing (FAST) at Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI) has shown crosstie or fastener types result in small differences in rail wear. Rail profile measurements from a 6-degree curve were analyzed using general regression and general linear models for statistical correlation among rail wear and track geometry parameters. Zones with cut spike fasteners, which allowed more gage widening, showed less gage-face wear. Crosstie types had minimal effects on both gage-face wear and delta gage. Cross level also affected gage-face wear, independent of track gage. Changes in cross level may cause differences in steering of trucks, which might cause changes in wheel-rail contact and lateral forces leading to changes in gage-face wear. Additional studies are evaluating the effects of track gage (within the range allowed under the track safety standards) on rail performance in terms of wear and rolling contact fatigue (RCF). An ongoing study of 792 feet of intermediate strength (IS) rail installed on narrow gage (56 1/4 inches) and wider gage (57 inches) is showing differences in wear and RCF. Results are expected in the near future.