Heavy-axle-load field evaluations: Taking FAST into revenue service

摘要

Revenue-service testing is the final step in implementation of new designs, materials and maintenance methods in HAL applications. With more uncontrolled (from the point of view of the track engineer) variables, such as train speed, wheel conditions and rail lubrication, revenue-service tests are more complicated to design, conduct and interpret. Larger test populations and longer periods of time are typically needed to produce meaningful results. Such testing, with the progression of evaluations from laboratory to FAST then to revenue service, is seen as an appropriate methodology to determine performance of new designs, materials and maintenance methods, as well as document regional influences of climate, train configuration and curvature.