Abstract
Objective: To improve track maintenance, which includes the reduction of damageability and life endurance improvement of ferroconcrete rail sleepers in maintenance, elimination of factors of increased dynamic impact on sub rail support, rail fastening design for heavy haul operation, which provides for traffic safety and improvement of economic performance indicators under increased mechanical loading conditions, taking into account severe weather conditions (freeze and thaw). Methods: Service damage analysis, laboratory and benchmark tests of individual track elements and in the assembled condition. Results: Operation rate and axial load increase demands improved durability of the applied track structure components under complete passenger transportation safety control. In this case economic efficiency of the applied components is a significant factor. The research results and technical solutions, having a common purpose – to improve track maintenance under the conditions of heavy haul operation were presented in the study. The measures on elimination of factors of increased dynamic impact on sub rail support were suggested in the study: 1) application of more reliable in operation bonded-bolted joints and metal-polymer bars instead of composite ones; 2) the use of higher quality rail induction welding. The improved rail fastening design was developed for rapid curves and heavy haul operation, leading to significant increase of service life of both metal parts, due to heat strengthening of the latter, and the fastening as a whole. Practical importance: The results of the conducted research make it possible to minimize the cases of destruction of ferroconcrete sleepers and solve the issues of qualitative improvement of rail fastening components.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
