Citation

Thompson WC. Transp. Res. Rec. 1991; 1289: 64-70.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The discussion is focused entirely on the in-track behavior of continuous welded rail (CWR) as it affects the lateral stability of railroad track. Lateral track stability is conditioned by the interrelated actions of the various elements of the vehicle and track system (various rail conditions, railhead profile, crosstie conditions, fastener type, ballast conditions, wheel profile, train braking, track alignment, track surface, lateral and vertical wheel load (static plus dynamic), etc.). The critical element is rail in long, jointless lengths. The entire system must sustain longitudinal forces in the rail as temperature fluctuates. For years, track maintenance engineers have struggled to control CWR, that is, to lay CWR without building in future problems and to maintain CWR to avoid problems. Most engineers do not believe that this contest has been won; however, knowledge has increased in this area. The intent of this paper is to share Union Pacific's experience and provide help to others who are confronted with similar problems. Most instructions issued by Union Pacific to engineering forces, dispatchers, and train crews are included in this paper.

Language: en

Keywords

Prevention; Inspection; Railroad tracks; Temperature; Stability (Mechanics); Maintenance of way; Buckling; Continuous welded rail; Lateral track stability; Track inspection; Union Pacific Railroad