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Title: RESEARCH PAYS OFF. DYNAMIC WHEEL LOAD DETECTOR EXTENDS LIFE OF CONCRETE RAILROAD TIES
Accession Number: 00463152
Record Type: Component
Availability: Find a library where document is available Abstract: In an effort to determine whether concrete ties could be used effectively by U.S. railroads, the Federal Railroad Administration began a study in 1980, to compare the performance of concrete ties at the Facility for Accelerated Service Testing with those in operating railroad service. Two research projects were undertaken to alleviate the large dynamic loads causing the concrete tie cracks. The first effort resulted in the use of a more resilient tie pad between the rail and tie. Because tie pads alone were not sufficient to attenuate the largest loads, a device was needed to facilitate detection of excessive loads. The second effort consisted in designing and building a wheel impact load detector (WILD). The first WILD was installed on Amtrak's Northeast Corridor (NEC) track in Maryland. The success of this program led to the installation of three impact detectors in Florida, and one each on the British Rail System, Conrail, and the Canadian National Railroad. Two new, upgraded versions of WILD have been installed near the original installation. Soon, a new high-tech company was set up in Columbus, Ohio to make and install WILD systems. Benefits derived from this research and from WILD are noted. Use of WILD as well as resilient pads has prevented failure of concrete ties on the NEC. Also there has been a sharp decline in axle bearing problems since the installation of WILD. There has also been a reduction in energy costs.
Corporate Authors: Transportation Research Board 500 Fifth Street, NW Pagination: p. 8-9
Publication Date: 1987-1
Serial: Features: Figures
(2)
TRT Terms: Uncontrolled Terms: Old TRIS Terms: Subject Areas: Design; Energy; Environment; Highways; Materials; Railroads; Research
Files: TRIS, TRB
Created Date: Aug 31 1988 12:00AM
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