Selected methods of measuring longitudinal stresses in continuous welded rail track

Abstract

High temperatures in the summer season lead to significant increase in compressive forces in railway rails. Significant stresses in rails caused by an increased temperature and dynamic loads from the rolling stock can reach values that can overcame the lateral resistance of the continuous welded rail (CWR) track. The result of overcoming the lateral resistance of the CWR track is the buckling phenomenon. The buckling of the track is a threat to railway traffic safety due to its sudden nature. The article presents various methods for measuring longitudinal forces in the CWR track, including the method using the Polish production extensometer. The use of this device for measurements of longitudinal forces has been accepted as optimal due to the ease of assembly, measurement accuracy and the ability to perform measurements without the need to stop trains. In the summary, the usefulness of the measurement method using the extensometer and its significance in the course of further research are evaluated.