NTL Record

Title A Method for Upgrading the Performance at Track Transitions for High-speed Service: Next Generation High-Speed Rail Program
Record ID 19895
Personal Name
Creator
Kerr, A. D.; Bathurst, L. A.
Source 60p. in various pagings
Corporate
Contributor
University of Delaware. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Amtrak; John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.); United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Railroad Administration
Publisher United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Railroad Administration
Publication Date 20010900
Language English
Abstract High-speed trains in the speed range of 100 to 160 mph require tracks of nearly perfect geometry and mechanical uniformity, when subjected to moving wheel loads. Therefore, this report briefly describes the remedies being used by various railroads to create smoothed transition regions. Some of the associated shortcomings are pointed out. then, the method of matched pads, as presented by Kerr and Moroney (1993) is described. The aim of this method is to eliminate the need for transition sections by "softening" the tracks on the bridges, so the dynamic loads caused by the moving trains are greatly reduced. As part of this effort, matched pads were developed, produced, and installed on a number of open-deck bridges. Field measurements revealed that the improvements caused by the installation of the matched pads and the associated treatment of the tracks near the abutments may be very significant. The obtained results suggest that the use of the matched pads may be an effective and economical way to eliminate or greatly reduce, the effect of track transitions, and that it could be useful for adjusting existing railway tracks for high-speed train travel.
Rosap ID dot:8477
Rosap URL https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/8477
TRT Terms High speed ground transportation; High speed rail; Railroad transportation; Bridges; Railroad bridges; High speed track; Track ballast; Bearing capacity; Stiffness tests; Bridge bearing pads
General Subjects High speed ground transportation; Mass transportation; Open deck bridge; Public transportation; Rail transportation; Railroad bridges; Railroad tracks; Rapid transit systems; Velocity; Wheel loads; Wheel rail interface
Classification NTL - RAIL TRANSPORTATION - High Speed Ground Transportation;
NTL - RAIL TRANSPORTATION - RAIL TRANSPORTATION;
NTL - RAIL TRANSPORTATION - Rail Safety;
NTL - RAIL TRANSPORTATION - Rail Planning and Policy;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Rail Safety
Geographical
Coverage
United States
TRIS Online
Accession No
941436
Contract Number RR103/R1030
Report Number DOT/FRA/RDV-02/05; DOT-VNTSC-FRA-00-06
Availability Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, Technical Reference Center
Resource type Tech Report
URL https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/19000/19800/19895/PB2003101358.pdf
Format PDF
Database NTL Digital Repository