Detecting Dangerous Places in a Continuous Welded Rail Track Taking into Consideration Trains Impact

Abstract

AbstractIn a continuous welded rail track, the end of sections are the most dangerous parts where under the influence of an additional axial force a strain-stress state occurs. The purpose of the study is to detect dangerous places during the operation of a continuous welded rail track taking into account passing trains. The problem is urgent, since the static calculation method does not allow identifying such sections along the line. The strain-stress state at the ends of the rails can be detected using the graphic analytic method. As a result, during the operation of a continuous welded rail track and taking into account passing trains, it is possible to detect dangerous places where an additional axial compressive force arises that affects the stability of the track. In the spring period in a continuous welded rail track, the determination of the strain-stress state indicates the need to eliminate the equalizing spans. To increase the stability of the continuous welded rail track and exclude such dangerous places, it is necessary to re-fix additionally the end sections. Re-fixing requires large material costs for the current maintenance, therefore it is recommended to lay a continuous welded rail track with a length of at least a line, and if a continuous track is welded with turnouts, then such end sections can be completely excluded. KeywordsStrain-stress stateTrains influenceAxial forceContinuous welded rail trackDangerous places