Citation

Ferguson MA. Transp. Res. Rec. 1991; 1289: 71-77.

Copyright

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

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The effectiveness of the various schemes railroads have used to control the behavior of continuous welded rail (CWR) over the past 15 years is discussed in this paper. Considerations and procedures used in the investigation of train derailments in which track buckling may be a causal factor are addressed, and 16 derailments are reviewed in detail. A pattern of several factors was found that either lowered the neutral rail temperature or materially reduced the lateral stability of the track. These factors were longitudinal rail creep, the chording inward of curves, addition of too much rail, and failure to sufficiently consolidate the ballast after it has been disturbed before trains pass at scheduled speeds. Rail creep may be reduced by adding more rail anchors or reducing train speeds and braking forces until the ballast has been compacted by trains or by mechanical methods. Reference staking under certain conditions will determine if curve chording has taken place and if adjustments will be necessary. After CWR is cut in cool weather, rail adjustments need to be made in order to avoid the addition of rail. After track is disturbed at high temperatures, the ballast must be adequately consolidated before trains are allowed to resume higher speeds. Railroads must have clear instructions on maintenance practices that could result in track buckling and train personnel to understand the application of these instructions.

Language: en

Keywords

Prevention; Railroad tracks; Temperature; Stability (Mechanics); Derailments; Maintenance of way; Buckling; Creep; Continuous welded rail; Lateral track stability; Curve chording; Instructions