Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of traffic loads and track parameters, including track curvature, superelevation, and train speed, on vertical and lateral rail wear. The Yenikapi–Ataturk Airport Light Rail Transit (LRT) line in Istanbul was selected as a case study, and rail wear measurements were carried out accordingly. Passenger counts were performed in all wagons of the train on different days and time intervals to calculate the number of passengers carried in track sections between stations regarding traffic loads on the LRT line. Values of traffic load, track curvature, superelevation, and speed were determined for each kilometer where measurements of rail wear were conducted. A multiple linear regression analysis (MLRA) method was used to identify effective parameters on rail wear. Independent variables in MLRA for both vertical and lateral wear include traffic load, track curvature, superelevation, and train speed. The dependent variables in MLRA for vertical and lateral wear are the amount of vertical and lateral wear, respectively. The correlation matrix of the dependent and independent variables was analyzed before performing MLRA. Multicollinearity tests and cross-validation analyses were conducted. According to the results of MLRA for vertical and lateral wear, the obtained coefficients of determination indicate that a high proportion of variance in the dependent variables can be explained by the independent variables. Traffic load has a statistically significant effect on the amount of vertical and lateral rail wear. However, track curvature, superelevation, and train speed do not have a statistically significant effect on the amount of vertical or lateral rail wear.
Highlights
Material loss occurs on the rail running surface when wheels carry out a rolling–sliding motion on the rail because of the high temperature and substantial contact stresses between wheel and rail
The effects of traffic load, track curvature, superelevation, and train speed on vertical and lateral wear of the rail are investigated by using a multiple linear regression analysis method
The data concerning the date and location of rail replacements performed on the Yenikapi–Ataturk Airport Light Rail Transit (LRT) line were collected between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2016, which is the time period considered within the scope of the present study
Summary
Material loss occurs on the rail running surface when wheels carry out a rolling–sliding motion on the rail because of the high temperature and substantial contact stresses between wheel and rail. The material loss which occurs on the contact surface of the rail and wheel is called wear [1]. Significant changes take place in the rail profile as a result of wear [1]. Rail wear depends on various parameters such as the axle load, train speed, profiles of wheel and rail, material properties of wheel and rail, track curvature, traffic type, condition of the wheel–rail contact surface, contact pressure, lubrication, and environmental effects [1, 4]. Material loss due to wear results in a significant decrease in motion stability and ride comfort, with an increased risk of derailment of trains. The amount of wear and the current shape of the rail head are the main criteria
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