The Influence of Seasonal Effects on Railway Vertical Track Modulus

Author:

Merheb Antonio12,Palese Joseph3ORCID,Hartsough Christopher M.4ORCID,Zarembski Allan3ORCID,Bernucci Liedi1

Affiliation:

1. Transportation Engineering Department, Polytechnic School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-070, Brazil

2. MRS Logistics S.A., Juiz de Fora 36000-000, Brazil

3. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA

4. Harsco Rail, Columbia, SC 29170, USA

Abstract

Adequate vertical track support is essential for safe and efficient railway operations. Insufficient support leads to distorted track geometry, increased dynamic loads, component stress, poor ride quality, rolling stock damage, and derailment risks. Current inspection practices focus on assessing the condition of the track components and geometry, rather than the root causes of degradation. To improve this condition, this study presents the use of a methodology that utilizes an autonomous vertical track deflection measurement system mounted on a loaded rail car (36 tonnes/axle) to support track maintenance decisions in a heavy haul railroad located in southeast Brazil. The system continuously measured substructure stiffness along the railway line. Over one year, data were collected from over 8000 km of track. The study highlighted seasonal effects on track degradation over time, identifying areas with significant deflections and high deflection rates, which contribute to issues such as differential settlement and reduced lifespan of track components. Additionally, the study revealed seasonal effects, with deflections peaking during wet weather and decreasing during dry cycles. A method to classify weak track areas was developed, facilitating monitoring and enabling more effective maintenance planning, contributing to the reduction of overall track maintenance costs and enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

Funder

MRS Logistics Railway

Publisher

MDPI AG

Reference21 articles.

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2. Li, D., Hyslip, J., Sussmann, T., and Chrismer, S. (2015). Railway Geotechnics, Taylor & Francis Group.

3. Estimate of static track modulus using elastic foundation models;Cai;Transp. Res. Rec.,1994

4. Track modulus measurements at the Pueblo soft subgrade site;Read;Transp. Res. Rec.,1994

5. Ebersöhn, W., Trevizo, M.C., and Selig, E.T. (1993, January 6–10). Effect of low track modulus on track performance. Proceedings of the 5th International Heavy Haul Conference, International Heavy Haul Association, Virginia Beach, VA, USA.

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