1. CE 515 Railroad Engineering
Track Maintenance, Track Inspection, FRA Regulations, and Research & Development
Source: Armstrong Ch 3, AREMA Ch. 3, REES Module 2
“Transportation exists to conquer space and time -”

2. Track Maintenance
Deterioration of one component affects the other components
Spot replacement vs. complete track renewal
Work Activities performed on a cycle
Replace rail when worn out or has defects.
Ties replaced when they fail or can’t support the track.

3. Track Maintenance
For short lines/branch lines – maintenance is done between trains or limited blocks of time.
Windows for Maintenance Workers

4. Track Maintenance Track disturbance can lead to buckling
Dynamic track stabilizer
Maintenance can cause track disturbance.
Try to keep in equilibrium to prevent buckling.
Lay rail at elevated temperature and then lock in place with anchors.
Dynamic stabilizers apply controlled, accurate stabilizing forces into the track structure at continuous speeds of up to 3/4 mph.
Combination of horizontal vibration and a vertical load.

5. Track Maintenance
Lubrication – slows down the formation of alignment and gage related problems
Other friction modifiers?
Flange of the wheel tends to crowd the outer rail – results in abrasions which lead to wide gage and formation of defects.
Locomotive on-board lubrication, wayside lubricators, high rail equipped lubricant pump and nozzle system, hand application
Only apply to gage corner of rail – low rail should be lubricated
Other friction modifiers applied to the tread of the rail to optimize coefficient of friction on the running surface of the rail.

6. Track Maintenance
Rail grinding – grinding machines or trains equipped with grinding wheels
Used to remove surface imperfections on the rail
Daytime
Night

7. Track Maintenance Vegetation Control – chemical and mechanical
Blocks drainage, decreases visibility, fire hazards
Some is desirable for wind breaks, prevent erosion
Herbicide or mechanical cutting for removal

8. Track Maintenance Stabilization and Drainage Welding
Many of the commonly applied hwy stabilization methods are applicable to RR. Talk more about this in drainage portion of class.
Flash butt welding: A technique for joining segments of metal rail or pipe in which segments aligned end to end are electronically charged, producing an electric arc that melts and welds the ends of the segments, yielding an exceptionally strong and smooth joint. Also called flash welding.

9. Track Maintenance Production Gangs
Production gangs include: Rail, Tie, Undercutting, Surfacing, Road Crossing Renewal, Turnout
Recruiter

10. Track Inspection Measures the condition of the track
Determines where maintenance is needed
Visual and specialized
Inspector at Work

11. Track Inspection Rail Defect Testing – Ultrasonic vehicle
Inspect for internal flaws within the rail.

12. Track Inspection Gage Compliance - Geometry Cars
Gage Restraint Measuring Systems (GRMS)
Geometry cars check basic track geometry and gage compliance. Indicates the problem areas. Can leave paint mark on track. FRA operates one to determine compliance.
GRMS – finds wide gage under loading conditions. FRA permits the data in determining gage compliance in lieu of the required number of non-defective ties for a given class or track per 39-foot segment (Track and Safety Standards).

13. FRA Standards Railroad Safety Act of 1970
Railroad Safety Act of 1970
Gave federal government jurisdiction (Federal Railroad Administration)
Resulted in minimum safety standards
Inspections
Roadbed and track structure
Geometry
Speed limits
The FRA formulates and enforces rail safety regulations.

14. FRA Standards Classes of Track
Classes of Track
Originally defined six classes based on speed
Class 1 (10 mph freight) thru Class 6 (110 mph)
Later expanded to include high-speed
Classes 6 thru 9
Represents speeds up to 200 mph

15. FRA Standards Most railroads have their own standards
Most railroads have their own standards
FRA standards considered bare minimum
State and federal inspectors
Can suspend rail operations due to deficiencies

16. Research & Development
Majority funded by FRA
Others include Association of American Railroads, supply industry, railroads themselves
Mostly focused on safety
Also study maintenance, materials, design & operations
FAST track facility
FAST – 52-square-mile track at the Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo Colorado – carries out tests

17. Research & Development
Noteworthy developments
Necessity for rail head lubrication
Improved turnout components
Faster and more reliable inspection methods
Still researching feasibility of very heavy-axle-load cars
HAL – 125 ton (39 ton axle-load) cars

18. The Old Steel Rail – She Ain’t What She Used to Be
Recycle RR components