01596029

Component

https://doi.org/10.3141/2545-02

Rail seat deterioration (RSD) of concrete ties is manifested by the loss of concrete material in the rail seat area supporting the rail. This failure mode can lead to track that performs poorly and, in extreme cases, can result in the loss of rail clip hold down, reverse rail cant, and rail rollover derailments. This paper describes the use of a multibody vehicle–track dynamics model developed to study the load environment of concrete tie rail seats, specifically addressing the failure mode of RSD. Vehicle–track interaction simulations were conducted to determine the effect of track geometry perturbations on the overall load environment. Various types and magnitudes of track geometry perturbations, including combinations of surface (vertical) and alignment (lateral) perturbations were considered. Fastening system parameters such as clip hold-down force, tie pad stiffness, and broken insulator conditions were also considered. Results of these simulations suggest that concrete crushing, a hypothesized mechanism of RSD, is unlikely in realistic revenue service conditions. Under the load environments considered, the results augment support for an abrasion-related mechanism of RSD that may be more dependent on tonnage and infiltration of fine particles in the rail seat, two factors not addressed in this model. Results from in-track testing are also presented to compare model outputs with measured in-track forces under artificial track geometry perturbations installed at the Transportation Technology Center’s Facility for Accelerated Service Testing. More broadly, the use of this model to explore the effects of vehicle track interaction on tie and fastener load environment is also discussed.

01595166

16-4773

English

pp 11–19

2016

Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board

9780309369671

Print

Figures (10) ; References (21) ; Tables (1)

Geometry; Loads; Railroad tracks; Rolling contact

Rail seats

Design; Railroads

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Jan 12 2016 6:06PM

• Application of Light Detection and Ranging Technology to Assess Safe Passage of Low-Ground-Clearance Vehicles at Highway–Rail Grade Crossings
• Decision Tree Approach to Accident Prediction for Highway–Rail Grade Crossings: Empirical Analysis
• Design and Performance of Well-Performing Railway Transitions
• Effects of Rail Hardness on Rail Wear and Head Check Initiation
• Evaluating the Correlation Between the Geotechnical Index and the Electromagnetic Properties of Fouled Ballasted Track by a Full-Scale Laboratory Model
• Finite Element Analysis of the Effects of Bolt Condition on Bolted Rail Joint Stresses
• How to Put Light Rail on a Floating Bridge: Experimental Evaluation of a Novel Approach
• Influence of Track Variables and Product Design on Insulated Rail Joints
• Microwave Radar Vehicle Detection Performance at Railroad Grade Crossings with Quad Gates in Normal and Adverse Weather Conditions
• Morphological Characterization of Railroad Ballast Degradation Trends in the Field and Laboratory
• Rehabilitation of Railway–Highway At-Grade Crossings: Recommendations and Guides
• Risk-Based Optimization of Rail Defect Inspection Frequency for Petroleum Crude Oil Transportation
• Use of Power Spectral Density for Effective Turnout Geometry Maintenance