Citation

Zarembski AM, McCarthy WT. Transp. Res. Rec. 1995; 1489: 26-32.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

During the last decade research has focused on new and improved track inspection techniques to define the conditions of the track structure and its key components. Among the areas of focus for this research have been inspection of the strength or load-carrying ability of the track structure and inspection of the cross-ties and cross-tie/fastener systems. The results of two cooperative research and development programs in this area performed by Burlington Northern Railroad and Tiescan, Inc., a joint venture company consisting of ZETA-TECH Associates, Inc., Holland Company, and De Beer Applied Research Company, are presented. The two research programs are as follows: the development and implementation of the Track Strength Analysis and Recording system, a hi-rail-based system for the measurement of track strength (gage strength under applied load) and track geometry, and the development and implementation of the Tiescan wood cross-tie inspection system, a continuous wood tie condition measurement system. In the case of both systems a research concept was taken and transformed into a prototype production inspection system. Both systems are currently undergoing final system shakedown and validation.

Record URL:
http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1995/1489/1489-004.pdf

Language: en

Keywords

Inspection; Structural analysis; Railroad transportation; Dynamic loads; Railroad ties; Strength of materials