NTL Record

Title Thermal Buckling of Straight Tracks: Fundamentals, Analyses, and Preventive Measures
Record ID 50538
Personal Name
Creator
Kerr, Arnold D.
Source 58p. in various pagings
Corporate Creator Princeton University
Corporate
Contributor
John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.); United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Railroad Administration. Office of Research and Development
Publisher United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Railroad Administration
Publication Date 19780901
Language English
Abstract This report, written mainly for the practicing railroad engineer, explains the phenomenon of thermal buckling of straight tracks, shows how to analyze it, and describes measures for preventing it. Following an introductory discussion of track buckling problems caused by a temperature increase in the rails, the report describes the distribution of axial forces in the track rails caused by temperature changes. It reviews briefly track buckling test results obtained by a number of railroads. The method of analysis for the determination of a "safe temperature increase", recently developed by the author, is then discussed. To simplify the use of this analysis, the results are presented graphically for a wide range of track parameters, and the use of the presented graphs is demonstrated with examples. It is shown how the graphs may also be used for the determination of the rail installation temperature. The paper concludes with a description of track tests for obtaining the needed parameters, and a discussion of measures adopted by various railroads to prevent thermal track buckling.
Rosap ID dot:11917
Rosap URL https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/11917
TRT Terms Ballast crib; Buckling; High temperature; Maintenance of way; Railroad tracks; Test tracks; Thermal stresses; Track laying; Welded rail
Classification AGR - INFRASTRUCTURE - Railroads;
NTL - RAIL TRANSPORTATION - RAIL TRANSPORTATION;
NTL - RAIL TRANSPORTATION - Rail Safety;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Vehicle Design;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Rail Safety;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - SAFETY AND SECURITY
Geographical
Coverage
United States
Contract Number DOT-TSC-1149
Report Number FRA/ORD-78/49; DOT-TSC-FRA-78-14
Resource type Tech Report
URL https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/50000/50500/50538/DOT-TSC-FRA-78-14.pdf
Format PDF
Database NTL Digital Repository